Robert Allen Smith

Robert Allen Smith “made the crossing” from this world to his heavenly world on February 19, 2021 while in Prisma Richland Hospital His Celebration of Life will be on February 26, 2021 at 2:00pm at Columbia First Church of The Nazarene located at 901 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210 . The service will be officiated by Reverend Deana Gentry, Minister of Children, Youth, and Families at Easley United Methodist Church. Robert leaves behind a legacy of love of family, love of his faith, and a love for building things.

Robert’s occupation was a builder of houses.  Throughout his life, he worked for various contractors and was the Project Foreman for many houses.  Robert liked working with his hands and could build a house from the ground up.  Several times he and Joyce would buy an old house, remodel it, move into it, then move on to the next remodeling adventure.  Robert took great pride in his work and craftsmanship.

Robert was a builder of churches, too, in that he was a member of building committees and church boards. Robert’s faith was very important to him and he always wanted to contribute the skills he had for his church community in service to his God. He was instrumental in the remodeling of the sanctuary of Columbia First Church of the Nazarene.  Robert helped with maintenance in any way that he could at whatever church he was involved in.  He would also help with teaching Sunday School or wherever he thought he could be of service.

Most importantly, Robert was a builder of his family.  He was married to Joyce Smith for 59 years and often would be heard saying, “I love that woman.”  Together, he and Joyce had two daughters: Lisa (Au brey) Lindler and Julie Watts , Son-in-Law, Ronnie Watts, and four grandchildren: Cody Lindler, Jesse Lindler, Josh Watts and Maggie Watts.  Robert had a dog, “Oreo,” that he loved dearly, as well , that was a special blessing in Robert’s later years. Robert is survived by siblings:  Hoyte Smith, Mary Jacobs, Jerry Smith and Helen Smith and many nieces and nephews .

Robert struggled with dementia for the past fifteen years which gradually took away his memory and functioning.  Joyce served him well as his caregiver throughout this long and often difficult journey.  Please make any donatio ns in his honor to Leeza’s Care Connection, 201 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210 , Leeza Gibbons ’ Organization that provides much needed supportive services to persons with dementia and their caregivers.