Robert Earl Smith

Robert Earl Smith was born on January 10, 1940, in Greensboro, North Carolina to Robert Shepherd Smith and Sybil Beaulena Williams. Robert accepted Christ at an early age was baptized in a creek. Robert graduated in 1958 from Carver High School in Spindale, North Carolina. Robert enlisted in the United States Army and completed basic training in South Carolina. Robert was stationed in Washington State at Fort Lewis. It was there that Robert met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Smith.
Robert relocated his family to Detroit, Michigan. Robert worked at General Motors where he retired. Robert was affectionally known as "Smitty" to his family and friends. He was also known to his grandchildren as "The Grand Boss!" Smitty never met a stranger. His sense of humor, wisdom and generous heart was felt by all. Smitty loved going for walks, drives, and spending time at the doughnut shop with his friends. Smitty loved cooking and teaching his grandchildren to cook as long as they vowed to never tell or sell his recipes.
On Friday, May 21, 2021, God prepared one of his many mansions, and said, "My child you have served me well; you have lived according to my purpose and my will: it is time for you to rest in my bosom. I will heal you and make you whole. " Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Smith, parents, Robert Smith and Sybil Williams; sister, Lynn McCullough and children, Clara Gary, Cynthia Anderson, and Gideon Chapman.
Robert leaves to cherish his memory five sisters, Elizabeth (Rev. Larry) Whiteside, Virginia (Ronald) Woody, of Marion, North Carolina. Antoinette (Robert) Staley of Inman, South Carolina. Mae Evelyn Fleming of Los Angeles, California. Mary Hines of Detroit, Michigan. Two brothers Rev. Michael (Teri) Smith and Perry (Sandra) Smith of Marion, North Carolina. Five Daughters Rita Rose and Linda Swanson of Tacoma, Washington. Sheila Chapman, Cassandra Bell, Victoria (Lonnie) Ridgell of Detroit, Michigan. Two sons Kenneth Chapman of Tacoma Washington and Robert Pernell Smith of Detroit, Michigan. He leaves a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Robert also leaves to cherish his memory a special friend Dolly Self.