Robert 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 12:15 p.m., followed by a short graveside service at Highland Memory Gardens.