Robert Smith

Robert Freeman Smith, 69, of Asheboro, died Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro.

A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church, where he was a member, with Rev. Dr. Keith Less officiating.

Robert was born on November 18, 1956, in Wake County, NC, the son of the late Oscar Raymond Smith and Helen Elizabeth West Smith. He retired from being a trailer mechanic. Robert volunteered 25 years of service for the Westside Fire Department, during which he became assistant chief. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Robert was a loving family man and his grandchildren were his greatest joy.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his son, Adam Robert Smith; son-in-law, Nathan Thielmann; and his brother, Greg Smith.

Robert is survived by his wife, Lynn York Smith of the home; daughter, Jennifer Smith Thielmann of Moncks Corner, SC; grandchildren, Serenity "Seren" Thielmann, Harper Thielmann, Everly Thielman; sister-in-law, Carol Smith of Michigan; brother-in-law, Craig York and wife Lisa of Asheboro; nieces, Julie Smith, Brittany York; nephews, Scott Smith, Chris York;  best friend, David Coakley; and his dog, "Dody".

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Blood Cancer United, Attn: Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY, 10087; Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Piedmont Triad, 419 South Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103; or to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, National Headquarters, 6520 N. Andrews Avenue; Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33309-2132.