He was born to the late Hurd Smith and Alice Whiteside in Rogersville. Also preceding Robert was his wife, Ms. Hallie B. Smith.
He moved to Rochester, N.Y. for a short period of time and later moved to Rogersville.
Robert retired from Holston Defense Company, a divestiture of Eastman Kodak Company, after 25 years of service. Raised on the family’s farm lead to enjoyment of working in his vegetable garden, raising “hogs” (as he would say) working in his yard, and canning fruit and vegetables.
Robert was predeceased by one granddaughter, Hallene Blocker; five brothers, James E. Looney, Clifford E. Looney, Will Looney, Joe Looney and Kenneth Smith; one sister, Lucille Looney; two step-children, Virgil Livingston and Marva Mack.
He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish in loving memory an only child, Mrs. Laura Blocker (JC) of Rochester, N.Y.; one step-daughter, Mrs. Bobbie Jean Allen (Joe) of Rochester; four grandchildren, Cathy Toney, Linda Gaddis (Willie), Robbie Blocker and Jason Blocker, all of Rochester, N.Y.; 18 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Ann Armstrong of Cleveland Ohio; three sisters-in-law, Bessie Looney (Will), Frankie Looney (Joe) and Frankie Smith (Ken); a very close and loving nephew, Mr. Thomas Looney; a special and dear friend, Mr. Clyde Harrison; and a host of other nieces, nephews, family members, step grandchildren and friends.
The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. till the hour of service at Full Gospel Mission Church.
Funeral services will be conducted at the church with Pastor Geraldine Swagerty officiating Thursday at 2 p.m.
The interment will follow at Hawkins County Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Robert Lee Smith and family are in the care of R.A. Clark Funeral Service, Inc. 423-245-4971.
