Robert "Smitty" Smith

RANTOUL - Robert Lee "Smitty" Smith, also lovingly known as "Sonny," 80, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., passed away on Aug. 25, 2025.

He was born on July 17, 1945, in Murfreesboro, to the late Jesse Floyd and Tommie Lee Simmons-Smith.

Smitty proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He worked as an aircraft electrician at various duty locations and later as a student training advisor at Chanute Air Force Base, retiring in April 1989. 

After his military career, he enjoyed driving a bus to take people to work before later becoming a school bus driver. In 1993, he became a dedicated member of the Masons, Shriners and Eastern Stars.

Known as a friendly and outgoing man, Smitty loved bowling and shooting pool, where he excelled and built many lasting friendships. He and his wife, Edelmira "Millie" Smith, shared 43 years of marriage filled with love and companionship.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Natasha Burks Hoover; brothers, TJ, Charles and Oscar Smith; and sisters, Alice Pearl Murray, Jeanette Hathaway, Irene Murray and Jesse Mildred Washington.

He is survived by his wife, Edelmira "Millie" Smith; sons, Teryl Smith, Lee Smith and Tory Knox; daughters-in-law, Dee and Shiela; his brother, Leslie Smith; his sister, Bobbie Black; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will cherish his memory.

A celebration of life service will be held at noon Sept. 19 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Lux Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. A memorial visitation will be held prior from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 19. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rantoul.

Please join Robert's family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Cremation arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Lux Chapel 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul.