Robert (Bob) Harry Smith

Robert (Bob) Harry Smith, 83, passed away on April 3, 2024. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on October 5, 1940, to John L. Smith and Marguerite (Short) Smith. Bob was a big man who lived a big life. He played tight end for Michigan and the Baltimore Colts before the start of what is now the NFL. He served in the Navy as a medic on two aircraft carriers: the Lexington and the Antetum. He worked in Human Resources for his own firm as well as in the industry and ultimately brought a case before the Supreme Court which led to the FMLA. He had a big heart and loved big as well. He devoted himself to caring for his family and friends and was always willing to help them with home improvement projects. He was wholeheartedly devoted to Ellie, his wife of 45 years, and supported not only her endeavors but cared for her throughout her battles with breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Bob also had a big smile: He always had an ornery sense of humor - both quick-witted and quick with a practical joke. He was an excellent fisherman, an avid reader and worker of crossword puzzles, and a wonderful woodworker and restorer of antique furniture. Bob was also a man of great determination; once he decided to stop drinking, he never took another drink again for almost 40 years. He was a Wolverine to his core. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eleanor Smith; son, John Smith; sister, Marilyn Ghekiere; stepdaughter, Donna Douglas; and brother-in-law, Robert Lester. He is survived by his son, Matthew Smith (Shannon) of Florida, and Michael Smith (Susan) of North Carolina; stepdaughters, Lisa Castor (Delayne) of Missouri, and Julie Lewis of Michigan; sisters, Jacquelyn Lester of Michigan, Mary Rose (Gerald) of Michigan, and JoAnne Rhoades (Robert) of Michigan; brother, John P. Smith (Diana) of Michigan; son-in-law, Rocky Howe (Valarie) of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Francis Ghekiere of Michigan; seven grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. A brief visitation with the family will be held before the service at 9:30 a.m., on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Sager Creek Community Church in Siloam Springs, AR. A memorial service, officiated by Kyle Weir, will follow at 10 a.m. The burial will follow the memorial service at Oak Hill Cemetery. For those who attend the service, please wear navy blue or maze yellow in honor of his love for all things Michigan. In place of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Alcoholics Anonymous or Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale.

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Robert (Bob) Harry Smith

October 5, 1940 - April 3, 2024