Robert E. Smith

May 30, 1949 - August 12, 2010 Robert Smith, 61, of Brawley, Calif. passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. Robert graduated from BUHS in 1967, where he was involved in FFA and the Agricultural Business Club. After high school Robert served his country as a member of the National Guard. He later attended IVC and majored in Business Administration and graduated in 1971. He continued his education at Cal Pomona, where he received a Bachelors Degree of Science in Agricultural Business Management in 1974. At an early age, Robert learned the value of hard work by bailing hay with his father and uncle. He worked at Farmers Fertilizer Service from 1967-1970 delivering fertilizer to farmers throughout the valley. From 1971-1978 he worked for Dean Lunceford as a hay bailer. He eventually made his career working at Farm Equipment Supply for the next 32 years, until his death. Robert was an active member of the Brawley Rotary Club for 23 years, and is now being celebrated as an honorary member for his dedication and support. In his spare time Robert enjoyed spending time with his family and vacationing in Mexico. He also enjoyed being outdoors, working on his cars and barbequing on Sundays. Robert is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret I. Smith; father, Alvin Smith; and brother, Jimmie A. Smith. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Yolanda Orozco Smith; daughters, Elizabeth Smith (Thomas) of Brawley; sons, Juan Marcos Soto (Lucia) of San Diego and Juan Donald Soto of San Francisco; sisters-in-law, Lupe Orozco and Janet Smith; six grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Frye Chapel in Brawley. Service will be held on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 10:00 AM at the Assembly of God Church in Brawley. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley following the services.