About
Robert Smith Obituary
Col Robert “Bob” Jackson Smith Sr., 81 of Saint Cloud, FL passed away on April 9, 2025, in Celebration Florida. Bob was born on April 12, 1943, in Belzoni Mississippi to Dr. James Robert and Anne (Bagwell) Jackson. Bob lost his father, James, at the age of two. A few years later Ann married William Smith. Upon graduating from Wofford College in 1965, he married Cheryl Wade Callis on August 29, 1965. The two were married for 59 years and had three beautiful children together; Robert Jackson Jr, William Wade, and Annesly Virgina. Col Smith had a distinguished 28-year career with the United States Air Force. The Air Force took him to many places around the world from the Pentagon in Washington DC, Okinawa, Japan and a tour in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He served as an Electronic Warfare Officer (where he finished first in his class), then flew in B52 bombers for two years until he transitioned into the RF4-C reconnaissance jet. During his career, he served as the base commander at the Avon Park Bombing Range and then became the Deputy Base Commander at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida and later served as the Base Commander at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. After he retired from the United States Air Force, he continued to serve by starting the ROTC program at Sebring High School. He was the instructor of that program for many years until his second retirement.
Bob was proceeded in passing by his parents Dr. James Robert Jackson, Anne Jackson Smith; Stepfather, William Smith and sister Dianne Smith Stebbins. He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl C Smith, Sons; Rob (Julie) Smith, Wade (Tina) Smith, and daughter; Annesly (Ray) Sibbitt. He is also survived by his grandchildren Tyler (Chelsea), Bradley (Shauna), Jenna (Jack), Taylor, Jackson, Jacob, Ireland, Aleigh and Great Granddaughter Eloise. Bob is also survived by his two nephews Scott Stebbins and Craig Stebbins.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11am at the Winter Park Community Center in Oak Room C. 721 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2811 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Smith
Tell your own story about Robert
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Robert Smith's name
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored