Obituary of Robert Alexander Smith

Robert Alexander Smith, 71, known as "Bob" went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 2, 2015, with his loving family by his side at his home in the Birdtown Community, Cherokee, NC. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy McCoy Smith. He was an E5 Sgt. Vietnam Veteran serving a total of 3 years in active service (1968 – 1971) including one year in the Vietnam War. During this time he received several recognitions, including medals and badges. He retired after 30+ years from the Cherokee Boys Club where he was the Construction Manager and completed several homes and projects for the EBCI. Bob was well known for being a "car craftsman" and "sculptor." He loved his shop where he would be found sitting in his barber chair getting a vision of the many projects he constructed. Bob was known in every state for being Bob as himself and/or the craftsman he was. He was the President and proud member of the Cherokee Rodders Car Club, WNC Truck Club and organized many car shows over the years beginning in the early 80's. In the early 70's, he operated Rainbow Raceway, Newport Raceway and Smoky Mountain Raceway; he loved dirt track racing. Bob was simply one of a kind and his smile will never be replaced. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Reed Griffin and Rass Smith; and brother, John Ross Smith. In addition to his wife, Bob was survived by one daughter, Bobbi Lynn Smith of Cherokee and one son, Travis Kent Smith and his wife Kelly Cleona Smith and three grandsons: Zachary Alexander Smith, Kenton Rayce Smith and Koen Dash Smith who always called him "Pops." He will be greatly missed by a host of close friends, in-laws, and all others who knew him. The pallbearers will be members of the Cherokee Rodders Car Club and WNC Truck Club. The family will be holding a visitation at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City, NC from 6 to 10 pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2015. A funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Bo Parris at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Crisp Funeral Home with burial at the Bird Hill Cemetery located on Adams Creek with military graveside rights conducted by the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post # 143.