Robert Clarence Smoot III

I had Mr. Smoot as a chemistry teacher as a sophmore at McDonogh and as a coach in JV lacrosse in my freshman. Year.

A great man and so smart.

Our friendship extends from our classmate days to the days we meet with Jesus and includes the whole Smoot family. My proudest moment is when I hear how great his McDonogh students and their famiiiies praise the high standards he held them to as their teacher. My wife Claire also died on April 5, 2025. Chris Justis

Dear Rob and family,
It´s with a heavy heart that I write to offer my deepest condolences on the passing of your father, Bob Smoot. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

I still remember sitting in study hall, sharing the space in complete silence-barely daring to make even a pin drop of noise in the presence of your father. There was something deeply commanding about him, not just in his Naval bearing, but in the way he carried the values and ethics that McDonogh instilled in all of us. He was more than an administrator or an authority figure-he was an icon whose presence shaped our understanding of leadership, discipline, and integrity.

Your father stood tall-both literally and symbolically-as a figure of quiet strength and moral clarity. It´s no surprise that you´ve walked in his footsteps with pride, continuing a legacy that touched not just his own family, but generations of McDonogh graduates. I can only imagine how proud he must have been to see you embody the same principles he dedicated his life to instilling.

Though it´s hard to say goodbye, I truly believe that his spirit lives on in each of us who had the honor of knowing him. May his memory be a blessing, and may God bless him for all that he gave to us, and to so many others.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Eddie T

Mr Smoot is among my most favorable memories at McDonogh. Not only was he a gifted teacher, but a kind and brilliant man who always had time to talk, explore, answer questions. My heart goes out to Mrs Smoot who greeted me with smiles and warmth whenever stopping by the office, and to Robert Smoot, a fellow classmate and teacher to my daughter at McDonogh. Deepest condolences and may the beautiful memories of a life well lived ease your hearts at this time.

What a legacy this man leaves through his work, his caring, and his heirs. Rest in Peace

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Smoot's passing. He was a phenomenal Chemistry teacher, both for Basic Chemistry and AP Chemistry and he was even kind enough to offer me scholarship money to take the AP Chem exam. He was also a respected House Father for those of us living in the dorms. Special condolences to Mrs. Smoot, and to Kathy (my classmate), Robby (my friend and lab partner at Duke) and Billy, all of whom I got to know well at McDonogh. The McDonogh community is poorer for the loss of Mr. Smoot. Sincerely (from Austin, TX), Bill Bryson, Class of '76.