Robert E. "Bob" Smith

1957 - 2025

Robert E. "Bob" Smith

July 5, 1957 - August 21, 2025

Robert E. "Bob" Smith, 68, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Allure of the Quad Cities, surrounded by his family.

A memorial visitation to celebrate Bob's life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois.

Born on July 5, 1957, in Nurnberg, Germany, Bob was the beloved son of Robert Avery and Marlene Anne (Matthys) Smith. He graduated from Alleman High School in 1975 and later attended Black Hawk College. Bob began his career at XPAC in 1974, rising through the ranks to become a manager, a position he held with pride and dedication for many years. He eventually joined John Deere as a forklift operator, where he worked until his retirement in 2024.

Bob was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Milan and a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Davenport. He found joy and peace in both his spiritual and natural surroundings.

A true outdoorsman, Bob found his happiest moments in nature. Whether he was walking, biking, fishing, gardening, or camping, he felt most at home outdoors. He was a proud member of the Rock Island Conservation Club and a passionate supporter of Arbor Day. His love of the great outdoors took him to the Grand Canyon on three separate hikes, an accomplishment he held dear.

Bob also enjoyed woodworking, playing his guitar, and collecting antique beer cans, each one with a story. His warm laugh, generous spirit, and deep love for family and friends made him a joy to be around and a steady presence in the lives of those he loved.

Those left to cherish Bob's memory include his daughter, Rebecca Smith; son and daughter-in-law, Zachary Smith and Ashley Raulli; father, Robert A. Smith; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Peggy Smith; nephews and nieces, Jeffrey Smith, Rachel Dailey, Timothy Smith, Betsy Ginnane, Adam Witmer, Phillip Witmer, and Victoria Hemenway; and several close friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Marlene Smith.

Please plant a tree in Bob's memory or direct a memorial donation to the Arbor Day Foundation.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Bob's family at www.wheelanpressly.com.