Robert (Bob) Loyd Smith

1936 - 2020

Robert Loyd (Bob) Smith was born in Ackerly, Texas, on June 5, 1936, and died in Lubbock, Texas, on December 10, 2020.  He enjoyed life during those 84 years.   He went to Lamesa public schools and graduated from Lamesa High School in 1954.

After he served in the Marines, Bob married Linda Esmond on June 4, 1960, at Midway Baptist Church near Lamesa.  In 1972, when he had two children and lived in Fort Worth, he graduated from Texas Christian University, with a degree in physics. 

When he lived in Fort Worth, Bob became a pilot and joined Civil Air Patrol.  After the family moved back to Lamesa, he was instrumental in rescuing a plane that had been stolen from California Civil Air Patrol, used to transport narcotics, and crashed in Mexico.  Bob had the licenses he needed to work on the plane and declare it airworthy, and then he had enough confidence in his work to fly the plane to Lamesa and oversee its restoration. He was presented a Meritorious Service Award from CAP for this work.

Bob was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lamesa, where he served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and at various times taught Sunday School.

He enjoyed Lamesa Community Players, whether he was acting, singing, building props, or painting.  Many people have fond memories of his role of Luther Billis in “South Pacific.”

Bob was predeceased by his parents, his brother Wayne, and his sisters, Alice Howard and Martha Belew.

He is survived by his wife, Linda of Lamesa; his daughter, Gayle of Austin; and his son Brad and Brad’s wife, Gabrielle, who live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

To send condolences, please visit: www.branonfuneralhome.com