Robert Smith

Robert Leroy Smith Sr., 84, departed this life and entered into eternal rest to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 9, 2025. He was born on August 4, 1941, to the late Mr. Charles Thomas Smith Jr. and Mrs. Ruth Elizabeth Jane Smith in Jacksonville, Florida, and attended public schools in Nassau County, graduating from Peck High School with the class of 1959.

Upon days of graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army on June 9, 1959, a Vietnam era veteran serving the majority of his enlistment overseas in South Korea and Germany. After receiving an honorable discharge on May 21, 1962, he attended the University of Maryland, and with the encouragement of his mother, he moved back to Florida, where he married his wife of over 50 years, Mrs. Helen Smith, on May 25, 1974, and to this union, four children were born.

A diligent and industrious worker, he was employed with Western Electric and ITT Rayonier for 38 years. He was a member of St. Gabriels Episcopal Church; and a dedicated and faithful Prince Hall Affiliated Freemason for over 50 years, the Past W.M. of the former Traveler's Rest No. 3 and Past D.D.G.M., York Rite Mason, P.H.P., Zerubbabel Chapter No. 1, P.E.C., S.M. Davis Commandery No. 99, 32nd degree Mason, Tillman Valentine, Consistory No. 22, M.W.U.G.L.P.H.A., and Prince Hall Shriner, A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Rabia Temple No. 8. Furthermore, he was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) and The American Legion; hence, dedicated to service he influenced all of his sons to serve their country with honor.

Additionally, his self-determination to succeed and prosper was highly influenced by his parents; consequently, he also raised all of his children based on the morals, values, and societal standards consistent with the notion that with discipline, self-determination, and hard work, they could accomplish anything, survive, and prosper, residing anywhere in the world.

The worthy servant mentioned and celebrated is survived by his wife, Mrs. Helen Smith and his children: Mr. Darrell L. Smith (Carol), Mr. Javier J. Smith Sr., Ms. Helen P. Smith, Mr. Robert L. Smith Jr. (Teneeshia), and Dr. Devin J. Smith; bonus children: Mr. Tommie L. Bird Jr. (Cheryl), Mr. Spencer T. Peterson Sr., and Mrs. Zena Cherie Bryant (Robert); grandchildren: Ms. Nicole D. Smith, Ms. Avia D. Smith, Ms. Quanice S. Smith, Mr. Marlon J. Smith, Mrs. Danielle S. Gardner (Scott), Ms. Kiara J. Walker, Mr. Javier J. Smith Jr., Ms. Mikali D. Smith, Mr. Delbert B. Hill Jr., Mr. Desmond L. B. Hill, Ms. Akiva T. Smith, Ms. Devinna A. Smith, Mr. Javier J. Smith III., Ms. Jenise L. Smith, and Ms. Nylah J. Smith; 14 great grands; sister, Mrs. Cheryl Smith (Jerry); brother, Mr. Kevin B. Smith (Wendy); Godmother, Ms. Eloise Blue; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

The funeral service for Robert Leroy Smith Sr. will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the Samuel C. Rogers, Jr. Memorial Chapel 4315 N. Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206. The visitation will be 5- 6:30 P.M, Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 at the Funerals by T.S. Warden 4315 N. Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206. Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 904-765-1234

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