Robert Jackson Smith, age 76, of Hanceville, Alabama, passed away on March 23, 2023, after being diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. Known as “Bob” to friends and family, he was called “Pabo” by his seven grandchildren.
Bob was born on April 10, 1946, in Geneva, Illinois, to Charles Jackson Smith and Lillie Vansaun Berry Smith. He grew up in the community of Short Hills, New Jersey, where he graduated from Millburn High School. Bob attended college for two years at Washington and Lee University in Virginia before enlisting in the Army. After his military service, he attended the University of Alabama to complete his degree and graduate with a BA in Economics. He worked for over 25 years in the insurance industry, spending the majority of that time at McGriff, Seibels, and Williams, insurance brokers in Birmingham, Alabama.
He played soccer in high school and while in college at Washington and Lee University, and playing golf was his favorite hobby during his adult life. Bob was an avid reader and a master of solving sudoku puzzles. Blessed with a keen intellect, he enjoyed a good pun and was known to pull a good prank as well.
Bob is survived by his children, Sharon Smith Murphree (Jason Murphree), Christine Leigh Smith, and Robert Shaler Smith (Emily Smith); his grandchildren, Jackson Murphree, Emma Murphree, Jake Murphree, Mya Murdock, Miles Murdock, Alexis Smith, and Liam Smith; his sister, Susan “Sue” Ham (Sam); and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lillie Smith; his brothers, Charles Smith and Nicholas Smith; and his sister, Lucy Marshall.
A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life is being held on April 29, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Crosshaven Church in Hanceville, Alabama.
