Robert Joseph Smith Jr.

Robert (Big Bob) Joseph Smith, Jr. died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Bob was born in Queens, New York on April 4, 1950, the first son and third born of 12 children of Robert Smith, Sr. and Marjorie Connor Smith.
Born in Queens, NY, Big Bob graduated from New Hyde Park Memorial High School in 1967. After a tour to Vietnam in the Army, he came home and met Jan Finnegan in 1973. They married on September 28, 1974, and spent 49 amazing years together. They had two beautiful daughters, Shannon and Madyson. In 2005 he met his new best pal, Janna. After trying out a couple names (Bob & Big Bob), they decided that he would be her "Al" and she would be his "Betty". They shared a connection that was beautiful to witness.
Bob retired from a 32-year career with the phone company in 2000. The phone company moved Bob and Jan from New York to New Orleans to Shreveport during his career. They fell in love with the Shreveport area and decided to stay, where they were able to have land and horses.
When Shannon was young, he would take her to dinner and a movie while Jan was at work. It was wonderful Daddy-daughter time that Shannon will cherish forever. Bob had a love for horses that he passed down to Maddy. He was proud to watch her ride. They attended horse shows near and far. He made many friends at the shows and was always happy to lend a helping hand.
He always wanted girls and that's what they got with daughters and a granddaughter. His girls were his world, and he was ALWAYS there for them. He and his son-in-law, Richard, were close. They enjoyed cooking and trying new dishes in the kitchen for each other. His family was his biggest accomplishment, he was always smiling when they were near.
Big Bob gave the best hugs and was a second Dad to so many "kids" at the restaurant through the years, and never hesitated to help anyone in need. When Jan was unable to run the restaurant, Bob stepped up and kept the business successful. He treasured the relationships he made with the employees and customers. He would joke that he was becoming more like Jan because he started getting recognized in other places.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, Jan Finnegan Smith; his parents; his sister, Annmarie Sieling, brothers-in-law, Stephen McKenna, Brian Thomas, Edward Reed, Fred Sieling, and Vincent Finnegan; Vincent and Rita Finnegan; and nephews, Sean Finnegan and Maclyn Reed.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Madyson Smith and Shannon Walford; son-in-law, Richard; granddaughter, Janna Landaiche; sisters, Pandy Abrams, Cookie Reed, Maggie Thomas, Jeanne Lachle (Joe), Nickie McKenna, Noreen Finnan; brothers, Tommy Smith, Jack Smith, Peter Smith (Tammy), and Bill Smith; brothers-in-law, Daniel Finnegan (Joyce) and Sean Finnegan (Loretta); and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Finnegan. Big Bob was adored by his many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass honoring Bob will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, July 22, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 425 McCormick Street, Bossier City, Louisiana. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Celebrating the service will be Monsignor Earl Provenza. Big Bob was never a fan of dressing up, so please come in casual clothes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in honor of his niece, Spencer. Memorials may also be made to pmgawareness.org in honor of his granddaughter and best pal, Janna.