Robert Al Harden Smith

Robert Al Harden Smith, beloved brother, cousin, and friend, entered the splendor of heaven on Wednesday, April 30. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12 (6-8 pm) at Triad Cremation and Funeral Service, 2110 Servomation Road, Greensboro. We invite you to join us as we remember Rob and celebrate his life.
Anyone who had the good fortune of knowing Rob will agree that he had an unforgettable personality and presence. Whether he was greeting you with a "hey buddy" or remarking that something was "UN-believable," he carried an energy that made people smile. Those who didn't know him personally may have seen his artwork in prior years at his North Holden Road home. Rob had a unique talent for conceiving of a holiday yard display and then designing it (freehand!) using a simple saw, plywood, and spray paint. From spring flowers to fall harvests to wintertime sleighs and ice skaters, Rob brought delight to tens of thousands of Holden Road passers-by each year, as well as to recipients of his artistically penned greeting cards, statewide and beyond.
A lifelong member of Glenwood Presbyterian Church, Rob sang in the choir, bedecked the Fellowship Hall with seasonal pageantry, and maintained extensive church and family photographic histories spanning decades.
His early career was spent as a clerk and delivery driver for his father's pharmacy, followed by roles with K-Mart Distribution and the USPS. His happiest and final job – the one he claimed "was like working in a country club" – was with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), where he spent 14 years in the print and distribution centers. Rob was an incredibly hard worker throughout his career, but CCL was by far his favorite. Never (ever) late for work, Rob took time off only when absolutely necessary. "They need me!" he would explain when he failed to redeem his well-earned vacation days.
Rob is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Marsha Smith, and his twin brother Rick. Survivors include brother Kevin Smith (Jennifer), sister Traci Carter Cook (Rob), niece Sarah Smith Roe (Nathen), and nephews Griffin and Matthew Carter.
While our lives won't be the same without Rob's boisterous personality and dry wit, we rejoice that the health challenges of this earthly life are over. He knew the Lord and looked forward to his heavenly home.
Rob loved music, particularly from the 1970s. This 1972 lyric by Johnny Nash is remembered on the occasion of Rob's passing, in honor of his life:
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone I can see all obstacles in my way Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind It's gonna be a bright, bright sun-shiny day. I think I can make it now, the pain is gone All of the bad feelings have disappeared Here is that rainbow I've been prayin' for It's gonna be a bright, bright sun-shiny day LOOK ALL AROUND! THERE'S NOTHIN' BUT BLUE SKIES! To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.