Robert “Bob” Owen Smith at the age of 89 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 08, 2023 surrounded by family. Beloved Husband, Father, Gandaddy, Grandaddy and Great Grandaddy was born on April 28th, 1934 in Orlando, Florida. He was the son of the late Edward Owen Smith and Marie Stover Smith.
Bob resided in Clarcona Florida “Clark’s Corner”. His family, one of the original settler of this small community, were successful citrus and cattle farmers. After graduating Apopka Memorial High School in 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he earned the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. While stationed in Fort Rucker, Alabama, he met his wife, Margaret. They were married in Echo, Alabama in 1959. Then, they moved back to Clarcona where he worked at various lumber companies, including B.L. Watters Lumber Co., and later as an owner of Lumber Jacks, now Ace Hardware, where he retired. He was a lifelong member and usher of First Baptist Church of Apopka. Bob a very generous man, was one of the charter members of the Foliage Sertoma Club of Apopka and in 1989 was honored with the Service to Mankind Award.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Margaret Ann (Newsome) Smith, his daughter and son in law Cindi and Jeff Bowden, son and favorite daughter in law Chris and Roni Smith, his five gradchildren: Haley and Josh Byers, Lauren and Nick Nesta, Kirsten and Zack Kozial, Robert Lescher and Julia Bowden; and five great grandchildren Owen, Henry and Annabelle Byers, Aria and Bella Nesta, and many other close family members.
There will be a celebration of life at Loomis Funeral Home, at 420 W. Main Street, Apopka, Florida 32712 on August 15, 2023 at 12:15PM, followed by a short graveside service at Highland Memory Gardens.
Service
Visitation
Loomis Funeral Home
420 West Main Street, Apopka, Florida 32712
12:15pm - 1:15pm
Funeral
Loomis Funeral Home
420 West Main Street, Apopka, Florida 32712
1:15pm - 2:00pm
Graveside
Highland Memory Gardens
3329 East Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703
2:30pm
Dan rich says
I will miss my old time friend but remember our good times together.
Melanie King (formerly of Apopka FL) says
I am very saddened to learn of Mr. Smith’s passing. He was always so kind, would say hello to me anytime I saw him in town especially when I worked at Bealls. Thinking about all of you today, especially in the days ahead. Chris & Mrs. Smith, thank you for giving me a special friend that will be missed. Hugs & prayers. I am still in Georgia so not able to attend. Love you all!
Isadora Dean says
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bob. He was a dear friend to me and my late husband, Billie Dean. My condolences to Margaret and the Smith Family!