Deacon Robert Lee Smith

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. “ (II Timothy 4:7)    

In profound sorrow, the Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service join with the Smith Family to announce that Deacon Robert Lee Smith of La Grange, North Carolina, at age 86, has completed his earthly journey. 

He was lovingly known by his family members and friends as “Deacon.” 

Deacon Smith transitioned from labor to reward on Monday, September 2, 2019 at his residence in La Grange, North Carolina.  

Deacon Smith was born in Twiggs County, Georgia on April 20, 1933 to the late Mr. William Smith and Vashti Aaron-Smith.

He received his education in the Twiggs County Public School System in the State of Georgia.

After graduating from high school, Deacon Smith served his country by enlisting into the United States Air Force.  He retired honorably from the United States Air Force as an E-9, Chief Master Sergeant with 28 years of service. 

While serving his country, Airman Smith met, dated and married the former Cora Virginia Gay. To that union three children were born, Ava, Vincent, and Edith. 

Unexpectedly, Deacon Smith’s first wife transitioned at age 61 in 1997, but a number of years later; he was graced to find love again and married the former Mrs. Rosa Stewart. Their life was happy and filled with love and dedication until she transitioned in 2018. 

Deacon Smith was a faithful member of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, serving on the Church Deacon Board until his health declined. 

Deacon Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. William Smith and Mrs. Vashti Aaron-Smith; his first wife, Mrs. Cora Virgina Gay-Smith; his second wife, Mrs. Rosa S. Smith; his siblings, Carrie Booker, Florene Watkins, Joe Smith, Daisy Strong, Lewis Smith, L.C. Smith, Corbin Smith, and Juanita Lamar. 

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. in the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 209 Carey Street, La Grange, North Carolina.  Dr. Michael A. Johnson, Pastor will officiate.  

Interment will follow the celebration of life service in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 164 Longs Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534.  

Also, a public viewing will be held on Monday, September 9, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Britt Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, 414 East Washington Street, La Grange, North Carolina 28551. 

He is survived by his loving caregiver and brother, Earnest J. (Patricia) Smith of Massachusetts, along with Irene Smith-Watkins (adopted daughter) and Al Watkins, caregivers and oldest niece and nephew of the family. 

Deacon Smith is survived by his cherished children Ava S. (Anthony) Truitt, Lt. Col. (Ret) Vincent C. (Kathy) Smith, and Dr. Edith M. (Horatio) Caine, and loving caregiver and brother Earnest J. (Patricia) Smith of Massachusetts, along with Irene Smith-Watkins (adopted daughter) and Al Watkins caregivers and senior niece and nephew of the family. His grandchildren include Yenka M. Truitt, Robert H. Truitt, Kindal M. Smith, and 1st LT Quincy M. (Madi) Smith, and one great-grand child Pomme’ S. Truitt. His blended family of children are George (Cassandra) Stewart, Reuben Stewart, Jewell Fortune (Roy), Ricky Ann Stull (Robert), Doris Stewart, Yvonne Bell (Earl), Lillie Harris (Aaron), Christine Simmons (David), Maggie Stewart, and daughter-in-law, Rachal Stewart. Because of his tremendous heart to love others, Deacon Smith has a large host of grandchildren, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren along with nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends who will all deeply miss him and his wealth of counsel and wisdom. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please donate in honor of CMSgt Robert L. Smith with checks payable to the "Air Force Scholarship Pool", c/o ECU Foundation, 2000 South Charles Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858. Identify CMSgt Robert L. Smith in the "for" block on your check. To give online, www.piratealumni.com , select "Give Now", select "Access Scholarship", select "additional options" and list CMSgt Robert L. Smith as the honoree. Any questions, please call 703-909-8934. Thank you! 

On Tuesday, September 10, 2019, the family and friends will assemble at the Residence of Deacon Robert Lee Smith, 4983 East Washington Street, La Grange, North Carolina at 9:30 a.m. in preparation for the funeral possession.  

Cards, Love-Grams and Condolences may be faxed to Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service at 252-566-5604 or posted on line at www.lagrangefuneralservice.com 

Arrangements by:  Britt Funeral Home and Cremation Service of La Grange, North Carolina. 

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