Obituary

Robert Leslie Smith
(June 6, 1917 - February 15, 2008

Robert Leslie Smith, 90 of Huntington, WV entered heaven on Friday, February 15, 2008. He was born June 6, 1917 in Stone Branch, WV to Hughie G. and Hazel Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Bessie Frances Browder Smith; daughter Leslie Joan Smith Starkey; a sister, Georgia Moore; and brothers Charles and James.

Robert served as a First Sergeant in the US Army during World War II where he won five Battle Stars along with a Presidential Unit Citation. When he returned to Huntington from the armed services, he and Bessie began to raise the family of six children. He worked for J. C. Penney and Anderson Newcomb as well as painting homes all over the tri-state area. He retired from the US Postal Service in 1979 after 20 years of service. He was a faithful member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee for many years and a Lay Leader in the 1970s. Ebenezer was the cornerstone of his faith in God where he worshiped and taught his children what it means to serve others. He loved his pastors and always participated in the ministries at Ebenezer, particularly the annual men's pancake fellowship.

He leaves to celebrate his passing a brother, Hughie E. Smith of Pittsburgh, PA, a daughter, Barbara (Thomas) Hill of Detroit, MI; and four sons, Robert Paul (Toni) Smith of Columbus, OH; William (Victoria) of Huntington, Stanley (Kay) of Cross Lanes, WV; and Charles Smith of Vancouver, WA; nine grandchildren, Shana Smith of Phoenix, AZ; Kelly Perry of Cross Lanes, WV; Shannon Morrison of Columbus, OH; Monique Smith of Philadelphia, PA; Austin Smith of Huntington, Second Lt. Ricky McCallister of Chesapeake, VA; Robert Holiday Smith and Sarah Holiday Smith of Vancouver, WA; and Raymond Smith of Portland, OR; special niece and nephew who called him grandpa - Krystal Lee and Keith Lee of Huntington; a Godson, William Courts; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends at the Marie Redd Center. Services will be 1:00PM Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the First Baptist Church, Huntington, WV with the Reverend Paul Willis and Reverend Jeremiah Jasper, officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park. Friends may call from 11:00AM until the time of the service at the church. In leiu of flowers the family request donations to Hospice.