Robert Smith, Jr.

Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your pain? The man and the hour have met, let us cross over the river and sit under the shade of the trees. Mr. Robert Thomas Smith, Jr., of Inman, entered into the care of his maker, the Lord Jesus Christ, on October 21, 2010. He is the son of the late Robert and Shirley Smith of New Jersey. He was a member of Springs of Grace Lutheran Church. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Alice of the home and their loyal pet Mookie. Survivors include a daughter, Karen Hirschler, her husband David and one grandson Andrew of Marietta, GA; a son, Bobby Smith of New Haven CT; a brother, Dennis Smith and his wife Eugenia of Point Pleasant, NJ; a sister Susan Raptapolus and husband Mark of Mechanicsville, PA; and a number of loving family members and a group of good friends. Robert also has two step sons, David and wife Faye of Seattle, WA and Robert Curry and his wife Tasha and a granddaughter Kaleigh (Girl with the curl), and a grandson Peyton of Mauldin, SC. Robert was a proud member of the United States Marie Corps. He also worked for Ford Motor Company and the IBM Corporation. He was a graduate of the University of South Carolina, Spartanburg and received his Masters degree from Columbia College, Columbia, SC. He retired after thirty years of teaching in South Carolina to pursue his hobbies of pistol shooting, fishing and camping with his wife in their RV. The only regret was that he didn't retire sooner so he could enjoy all these things with his loving wife. Robert lettered in football and baseball in high school and played football in the Marie Corps. Robert also lettered in Varsity Judo at the University of South Carolina in Spartanburg, SC. He instructed Judo classes at various classes at high schools and YMCA's in New Jersey. He qualified for inclusion for completion at the Naval Academy in Maryland. Robert excelled in academics. Some of his honors included: Member of Phi Theta Kappa, Phi Lambda Chapter and President of Phi Theta, Phi Lambda Chapter. God, family, honor and duty were the pinnacles of his life. The opportunity to serve his country and protect the democracy so many gave their lives for was always one of his proudest accomplishments. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 24, 2010 at Floyd's Boiling Spring Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Judson F. Merrell and the Rev. Gene Baker. Burial with military rites will follow in Good Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends following the committal service at the graveside. I was miserable if I might not die... Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done SEMPER FI! Floyd's Boiling Springs Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert Thomas Smith, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.