Robert Jay Smucker

Robert Jay Smucker, age 69, of Flowery Branch, passed away Wednesday morning, November 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by family members.
Celebration of Life will be Sunday, December 1, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Gainesville, 751 Green Street, Gainesville, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m.-3:00p.m. The service will begin at 3:00 p.m.
Mr. Smucker was born on Friday, November 4, 1955, to Mr. Roy Smucker, Sr. and Mrs. Ellen Gregorio Smucker in Pennsylvania. Robert earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and was a retired toolmaker from Alcon. He was raised Mennonite but was an active member of First Baptist Church of Gainesville.
He is survived by his wife of more than 28 years, Charlotte "Penny" Smucker, along with four children, Kristin Gordon (James), Jordon Smucker, Kacey Smucker, and Julia Smucker; Brother Roy Smucker, Jr. (Becky) and his grandchildren: Patrick, Caleb, Addison, Gavin, Kylie, Noah, Lilah, Lucas, Max, Jonah, J.R. Also including "little Robert" and "little Penny" in Africa. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Robert stayed true to his Mennonite heritage, and for the last 18 years has traveled the world to help those who were suffering, and disadvantaged be it from war, poverty, disease or natural disaster. He served in Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia, The Sudan, Turkey, Greece, Haiti, Philippines, Taiwan, eSwatini(formerly Swaziland), Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and Iraq. At one point he was held hostage in Iraq and was tortured and threatened with death daily. Even after this event, he continued his mission and even returned to Iraq in 2023.
Africa, in particular, Kenya and eSwatini, held a special spot in Robert's heart.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his memory be made to one of the following:
Project Canaan- A Heart for Africa Ministry
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2024yearendgiving/
Conscience International
http://www.conscienceinternational.org
The National Park Service, as Penny and Robert have greatly enjoyed visiting our National Parks.
https://www.nps.gov/getinvolved/donate.htm
Braselton Funeral Home, 5257 Hwy 53, Braselton, Georgia 30517 is in charge of arrangements. Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com
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