Robert George Smith's Obituary
Robert George Smith was born on November 12, 1929, in Morgantown, West Virginia, and passed away on September 15, 2025, at the age of 95. He began his working life helping in his father’s grocery store and later built a career in corporate finance. Bob was a committed husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is remembered for his musical talent, skill in craftsmanship, and a warm personality that made a lasting impression.
Bob’s affinity for music emerged during junior high school, when he was invited to perform as a solo trumpet player in the high school band. He pursued the piano independently and attained expertise on the bass fiddle. He put himself through college with money earned from his own dance band along with some extra money made hustling pool. He continued his dance band for many years playing on nights and weekends after he started his corporate career.
After receiving his accounting degree from West Virginia University, Bob entered the United States Army, upon his discharge, he relocated to Pittsburgh and embarked on a thirty-year career in accounting. As he advanced professionally, he moved from Pittsburgh to Charleston, West Virginia, and then to Wilmington, Delaware, steadily climbing the corporate ladder. Beginning as a staff accountant, he ultimately attained the position of Controller at a multibillion-dollar corporation. He elected to retire at age fifty-five and relocated from Wilmington to Largo, Florida.
Although Bob worked in finance, his real interests were in music, building and home improvement. After parting ways with his band, he devoted much of his life to hands-on construction work. His projects ranged from remodeling basements in two homes to building two televisions from scratch and adding an addition to his longtime residence. If there was a new electronic gadget on the market, he was the early adopter often coaxing his children into getting the same item.
In retirement, Bob stayed active by playing golf three times a week and joining a bowling league. He also enjoyed traveling, taking many cruises and international trips. He visited Hawaii several times, toured major cities across Europe, and explored more remote places that gave him new experiences and memories.
Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Lou and her children; his son, Robert Jr.; his daughter, Jane LeFevre (John); his grandsons, Patrick Smith (Ivis San Emeterio); Joshua LeFevre and his great-grandchildren, Gabino San Emeterio, Adriel San Emeterio, and Paisley Smith. He is also remembered with affection by many nieces and nephews. Bob was born in the depression and encountered many hardships throughout his life but always had a positive spirit and met everyone with a joke and a laugh. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Metropolitan Ministries. Contributions can be made online at https://www.metromin.org or mailed to Metropolitan Ministries, 2002 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602.
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