Robert Paul Smith was born in Huntington, West Virginia, the first son of Robert Leslie and Bessie F. Smith. Bob graduated from Huntington High School in 1969 and attended Marshall University. When we remember Bob’s way of engaging every one he met, we will miss the way he reminded us to slow down and enjoy talking to people.
Bob gave his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church where he served in numerous ministries including the Male Chorus and Mass Choir.
Bob was an avid sports fan. His favorite teams included The Cincinnati Reds, The Cleveland Browns and The Cleveland Cavaliers. He also enjoyed reading, politics and history. He had a great love and knowledge of music which included jazz and gospel especially quartets.
Bob loved people. He would easily begin a conversation, even with strangers, quickly finding something in common to talk about. He had a way about him that put people at ease. He never forgot a face and once people met him he was never forgotten. He also loved to sing beginning his talent nearly 50 years ago with a doo wop group in Huntington, West Virginia called the Parliaments. His gift turned to a passion to serve God by singing with the Male Chorus and Mass Choir here at New Salem.
We are grateful for the time we got to spend with him. He was kind, humorous, charismatic, compassionate, and could tell one heck of a story. He was an amazing husband, son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and so much more. Family gatherings were always made brighter by his presence and they just won’t be the same without him.
On the evening of December 7, 2019 at the age of 68, Bob quietly walked through the gates of Heaven and peacefully placed his hand in our Savior’s hand and entered into Eternal Rest. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Leslie and Bessie F. Smith. Sister Leslie Starkey.
Those who remain to keep Bob’s memory alive include his wife, Toni, daughters Shana Moore (Demond), Kelly Perry (Victor), and Shannon Morrison; granddaughters and grandsons Shalon, Naija, Devin and Deyshon; sister, Barbara Hill of Detroit, brothers Bill (Vickie) of Huntington, West Virginia, Stan (Kay) of Cross Lanes, West Virginia, and Charles (Shiela) of Milwaukie, Oregon and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins and dear friends.
Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at New Salem Baptist Church, 2956 Cleveland Ave, 43224.
Interment at Glen Rest Memorial.
First I wish to express my condolence to everyone who knew and cared about Bob. I don’t remember how many years ago that I met him but I’ll estimate around 95 when we were members of the same fitness center. He was always friendly and upbeat. Sometimes between sets we would walk around the track talking about music, the job, and whatever. There were times when he wasn’t as upbeat but if the subject of serving Christ came up, he would light up before my eyes. New Salem Missionary Church and Pastor Keith Troy were huge in his life. This happened often over time and it was through him that lead me make this my home church on 6/19/11 which is the same day I accepted Christ as my savior. I’m going to miss you Bob. Your friend and brother, Bill
On behalf of the receiving team
Robert was truly a remarkable person.
He truly knew no strangers.
Truly a bright light gone to soon.
He will be truly missed
Our sincerest condolences to his family.
May God cover you with his peace .
Ms Kathy Johnson
3rd Shift Supervisor
I Annette K. Mabry of Fairburn,Ga.orginally from HTS,WVa.
I just seen Bob and wife DHS/HHS reunion it so good seeing them both. May God wrap his arms around the whole entire family…
Love you more
MABRY
RIP Bob. Always a good soul. Peace and love to the family.
Love you Papa . Rest in Peace
To the family of Robert Smith. Robert was a class mate, friend and brother in Christ. Sister Hill and myself want to send you our deepest sympathy in this hour of bereavement words can never fill the void, however remember you’ve lost a love one but God has gained another saint. Family be strong and keep in mind God didn’t make a mistake we will keep you all in our prayers.
Toni,
I am so sorry to hear about Bob. You are truly in my thoughts and prayers.
I want to start off by saying I’m really going to miss you dad, and you will never be forgotten.
Peace and Blessings to my Father and our Family.
I love you forever, Robert Paul Smith.
Bobby,
You will be missed! I will miss talking to yeah and hear your awesome voice! I know that God has a special place for you in heaven! I will see you again cousin!
Remembering the family in heartfelt prayer.
May your memories console you and may God sustain you with his precious promise to someday soon reunite us with our love ones. Thoughts of peace.
I am sorry for your loss. I went to HHS with Robert. I sat next to him in Spanish class and he was my dialog partner. Robert was always so nice and kind. I was fortunate to know him.
Joanie Ward Smith
Bill and Family:
I am so very sorry to read of your loss. Please know that I am sending you thoughts of comfort from afar during this challenging time.
To our family,
We pray that God comfort you during this time. Take comfort that Bobbie now rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior. May you lean on Him for peace and remember all of the good times. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
Love,
Aunt Drema and family
To Toni and family you have my condolence I am so sorry to hear about Bob but you must remember God loved him first and he needed him to finish this work there you have my deepest sympathy and I’m going to miss him also
Rest in peace cousin you will be truly miss by family and friends. I will never forget you and your beautiful smile.
May God bless you and be with you during this sad period in your life but remember he is at rest and peace now. I worked with Bob years ago and Abbott “Ross” Laboratories. Bob always had a smile and a great hello for you. He will be missed.
Blessings, Janette “Kirksey” Patterson and family