Robert Frederick Smith

Robert Frederick Smith of O’Brien, Florida passed away on Sunday October 1st, 2023, at the age of 90. He was born on October 17th, 1932, in Williamsport Pennsylvania. He grew up in Muncy, Pennsylvania where he enjoyed helping on his parents’ poultry farm, playing sports and hunting. He enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 18. He was Born again on November 16th, 1957, and became very active in church. He entered missionary training in 1959 and in 1961 he and his family went to Bolivia as missionaries with New Tribes Mission. Later they worked in Mexico before retiring after 23 years.

He is preceded in death by his father Edwin Smith, Mother Ethel Smith, Sister Sally Panko and Brother Jack Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Keebler Smith; daughter Debra (Paul) Barney; three sons, Steven (Linda) Smith, Timothy (Corina) Smith, and Robert (Gina) Smith; grandchildren, Dawn (Joseph) Wilkerson, Denise (Tim) Koss, Daniela (Aaron) Andelson, Amy (Seth) Savage, Angie (Mark) Huston, Brian (Chris) Smith, Timothy Smith, Tara (Jordan) Winger and Chaley Smith; plus many great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Robert’s greatest joy and blessing was being surrounded by his loving family. On his final days, his family gathered and sang many of his favorite hymns for hours

The family would like to thank the caregivers at the VA in Lake City and Gainesville. Doctor Harmon was amazing and was always just a phone call away. We thank the doctors and nurses at Haven Hospice for the care and compassion they showed to our whole family and allowing us to sing!

Family and friends are invited to attend the celebration of life at Peace Baptist Church, 7794 S Hwy 27 Branford Florida on Saturday, November 4th at 1:00 PM.

Interment will be at on November 6, 2023 at 1:00pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida.