Robert Roy Smith

Long-time Reno resident, RR "call me Bob" Smith, 88, died at home on June 12, 2010. Bob was born in Sacramento, but moved to Reno with his family when he was a young lad. His boyhood adventures—and misadventures—included hopping a freight train to Truckee, walking across the canyon on the railing of the old Donner Bridge, and breaking his leg four times.
Bob served with the Seabees in World War II and then went to work for the Standard Oil Company/Chevron as a maintenance mechanic. He married his heart's desire, Mary Alice (Mimi), in 1942. They had almost 60 years together before she died in 2000.
Bob's motto was "Count Your Blessings," and in his long and colorful life, he had many to count. He was called—only partly in jest—a star of stage, screen, and radio. He was an accomplished banjo and guitar player, appearing as Jackson Smythe during the waning years of Vaudeville. For many years, Bob was active in the Reno Little Theater, and he received several acting awards. To top it all off, he was a square dance caller extraordinaire for the Reno Promenaders and the Checkmates.
Bob loved hunting and fishing, Swing Era music, and words. (The family kept a dictionary near the dinner table in order to settle disputes.) Bob was an avid motorcyclist, his only concession to age being to trade in his two-wheeler for a trike. He enjoyed a long ride the week before his death.
Bob was predeceased by his son-in-law Colonel Ron Belk. He is survived by his daughters Debby Belk and Kathy Schovajsa (Butch); his grandsons Pete Froslie and Nick Froslie; their father Keith Froslie; brother F. Richard Smith (Carol); and his best friend Bud Fujji. Bob's family will miss him sorely, as will the Friday lunch bunch at John Ascuaga's Nugget.
A celebration of life will take place later this summer.
Arrangements are under the direction of Walton Funeral Home in Reno.