Robert "Bob" Eric Smart

Robert Eric Smart, best known as Bob Smart of Lady Lake, Florida passed away on March 26, 2023, at the age of 68. He was born on December 18, 1954, in Kittery, Maine at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He started his life at Greiner AFB in Manchester, New Hampshire. His father was then transferred to Newfoundland where he lived until he was 3 ½ years old, they then returned to Newfield, New Hampshire at Pease AFB in Portsmouth. Shortly thereafter, they went to Westover AFB in Hadley Falls Massachusetts where they stayed until moving all the way to the other coast, to Petaluma California. Finally, they went international, and Bob completed High School in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He did attend Florida Technological University (now UCF) but left before graduating.

He was in the United States Air Force from 1977 – 1992 serving in the Persian Gulf War taking early retirement as a Master Sergeant. He then worked in wine operations of both the Lodi (Delicato) and Napa (Kendall-Jackson & Matanzas Creek) wine regions of California, completing his civilian career with bottled water (Hawaiian Springs) in Hilo, Hawaii.

He was actively involved in Church (Choir, volunteer work & anything he felt he could help with), lover of all things fishing, an avid sports follower, a traveler who loved exploring and a firm believer in our democratic ways.

He is preceded in death by Everett Loton Smart (Father), Georgia Sibley (Mother), Jessie Calvin Smart (Son).

Jan Ford Nappi-Smart (wife), Melody Krause (Daughter), Chad Krause (SIL), April Smart (daughter), Chase Krause (grandson), Cadence Krause (granddaughter), Laura Koss (Sister), Sue Melogy (Sister).

Bob was known lovingly as the ‘tumble weed’. He loved to travel, being raised a military kid, and then serving himself, it came naturally. He found homes that rooted him in family, community, and church in California, Hawaii, and Florida. He loved his family deeply and was the official coordinator that kept them all connected, coast-to-coast. He was ‘Papa’ to his children and grand babies who loved him so much. Many memories were made camping, making wine, singing, and dancing, out hunting and fishing or playing cribbage. There was always a meal he was planning to prepare, he loved to cook for those he loved, best fried fish around!

Bob moved from California to Fruitland Park, Florida and actively looked for a new church home where he could make new friends, volunteer, and praise the Lord. He joined First Baptist Church in Leesburg, Florida and shortly afterwards joined the downtown campus choir. He was a gifted Baritone and loved singing! He became known by the pastors and many friends as "Smiling Bob" with his quick smile and cheerful greetings. Bob met his wife Jan in choir, and she gave him the nickname "Back Row Bob" since he sat on the back row in choir. This was the beginning of their relationship which quickly grew into love and marriage. Bob also joined the FBC Village Park campus choir and sang there as well as at the Downtown campus.

Everyone at both church campus loved Bob and he made many friends quickly. When Bob and Jan married, they committed their marriage to putting God first in their lives. Ecclesiastes 4:12 was their guide using the "cord of three strands" as having one man, one woman, and God in their marriage. Their strong love for each other and God was evident in their lives and that is how they always want their lives to be remembered.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at First Baptist Church of Leesburg, 220 N. 13th Street on Saturday. The Military Honor Guard presented by VFW Post 8083 will begin promptly at 11:00am followed by church service. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in their honor to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) www.secure.dav.org/site/Donation.