Robert C. Smith's Obituary
Robert (Robbie) Smith was born in Harrisburg, Arkansas on December 3, 1952 to Vanteen & Clyde Smith. Years later, he would know a man named Dewey as Dad. Robbie grew up in Beebe, Arkansas with his sister Nora whom he always loved so much. Robbie loved running and succeeded very well in track and enjoyed working with his cousin Gary doing landscaping while in High School. Robbie graduated in 1971.After graduation from high school in 1971, Robbie enlisted with the Army National Guard. From there Robbie went to Fort Polk, Louisiana for basic training. While serving Robbie had a 50 caliber round blow up in the chamber of his spotter weapon. This blew his index finger off his right hand which took 4 surgeries to repair. From that explosion, round shrapnel went into Robbie’s face and neck. Decade’s later fine pieces of metal would still come from his face. That career in the National Guard lasted for 14 years.In 1974, Robbie and Melinda Dorsey were wed, to that union 2 sons were born. Bryan and Mark were Robbie’s joy. He was active in church and sports teams while raising his sons. Robbie enjoyed coaching Bryan in baseball. Dad was very proud of his left handed pitcher. He saw from a very early age Bryan’s strong will. Mark always loved making people laugh. He played baseball on the school teams in Owasso. Robbie’s favorite memory of Mark was his son handing him a baseball glove to play catch with him as soon as he was home from work. He enjoyed all the kids that would come to their home so often.The beginning of 2012 brought a brand new love to Robbie and Janet. Both were surprised they had so much in common and knew many of the same people. There was laughter, many board games and lots of movies. On their first date they watched The Notebook. Janet tried really hard not to cry.In beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Robbie and Janet were married on September 21, 2012. Robbie gained 5 adult children 10 more grandchildren and 1 great grandson. It was in 2013 they began raising a very awesome little boy named Dax. This is Papa’s boy through and through. Dax was born with a tough medical diagnosis and with 5 years of outstanding Christian education he reaches all his goals and excels. Dax makes his Papa proud every day.Robbie was deeply loved and will be so greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Janet from Broken Arrow, his sister Nora Pritchard from Beebe, Arkansas, son Bryan Smith from Tulsa, son Mark Smith from Tulsa, Mother In Law Marie Willis from Broken Arrow, Brother in Law James Willis from Broken Arrow, Julie and Art Manion, Michelle and Rob Mauldin, Beth and Dave VanOtterloo, Angela and Antonio Moreno, Amber and Tyler Hill, Josh and Cainey Roberts, Justin Whitfield and Jamie Whitfield, 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandson and his nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his mother Vanteen Bevill, father Dewey Bevill and Brother in Law Melvin Butler.
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