Robert Charles Smith

Dr. Robert Charles “Bob” Smith, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026, after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his loving family and memories of a life well lived.

Bob was adopted at birth and raised by his parents, Red Nathan Smith and Betty Funk Smith, in Oklahoma City, OK. He was grounded with a strong work ethic and values of family and service. From the young age of nineteen, he proudly served his country, beginning with an apprenticeship for the United States federal civil service, Department of Defense. As a certified professional logistician, he served a multitude of military installations, including Tinker Air Force Base (OK), Robins Air Force Base (GA), Capodichino Naval Support Activity (Naples, Italy), and the Pentagon (VA). He earned many commendations over his thirty-six-year career and retired from Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command - The Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex.

A lifelong learner, Bob held education in high regard. While working full-time and raising a family, he continued his academic pursuits, eventually earning the pinnacle degree in his field, Doctor of Business Administration, with a specialization in Management. He was also an instructor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and for twenty years, he taught logistics and business management classes at ERAU campuses in Maryland, Virginia, and Georgia before retiring as a tenured professor in 2016. Loved by both his students and academic peers, he was awarded Faculty of the Year in 2006-2007.

In addition to his civil service and teaching careers, Bob was also a handyman. He owned many rental properties and enjoyed renovating them himself. He could fix almost anything.

Bob loved being outdoors. Whether tending his vegetable garden, doing yardwork, watching his grandkids play, taking walks with his beloved dog “Jesse”, or just sitting in the presence of nature on his porch, he was most at peace in the fresh air. That is one thing that remained constant even throughout his journey with Alzheimer’s. He was also a sports fan, cheering for Oklahoma Sooners football and Brave’s baseball. In recent years, he especially enjoyed spending summer nights at the Macon Bacon ballfield with his wife.

Family was at the center of Bob’s existence. He was a supportive and reliable father to his three daughters, and a doting Papa to all six of his beloved grandchildren. He loved going to the movies together, sharing books, and sharing stories. He just loved being in the presence of family, no matter what the occasion. Bob was also known to be a light-hearted, mischief-maker who loved to play pranks, and whose quick wit could always make others laugh. Even as Alzheimer’s diminished his ability to speak, he still found ways to bring a smile to others.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Wiley Franklin Smith of El Reno, OK.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Karen Smith; his daughters, Kimberly Sams (Shane) of Fort Valley, GA, Pamela McCarter (James) of Millbrook, AL, and Cassandra “Cassy” Maloy (Jason) of Perry, GA; and his cherished grandchildren, Logan Hitz of Macon, GA, Baylie Linendoll (Codie) of Gulfport, MS, Jose Palomino of Palm Bay, FL, Natalie McCarter of Sweetwater, TN, and Mary Catherine (Shiloh) and Madeline Maloy of Perry, GA. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Alice Horn of Oklahoma City, OK.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, with a memorial service immediately following at 2:30 p.m. Bob will be laid to rest in Andersonville National Cemetery at a later date.

The family will accept flowers, or monetary donations can be made in Bob's honor to the Uganda Well Project via Trinity UMC by visiting https://secure.myvanco.com/L-YRSY/campaign/C-169Z1 .

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who provided care, compassion, and love to Bob throughout his journey with Alzheimer’s disease and the hardship he experienced with Extrapulmonary Small Cell Carcinoma. They are mostly thankful for the dedicated staff at Gentiva Hospice (especially his nurse, Emily) who walked alongside the family on this difficult journey, helping to make his final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

The family also sincerely thanks those who have prayed, messaged, sent meals, and offered support during this time. Your kindness, love, and compassion for Bob and his family meant more than words can express and will forever hold a special place in their hearts.