Robert D Smith passed away December 10th at the age of 79. He was born and raised in Detroit Michigan. He graduated Redford High School in 1961. He went on to RETS Electrical School and became an electrician. He married and had 4 children. He worked for GM at the Hydromatic Plant in Ypsilanti Michigan. While there, he continued his education and earned a master's degree in electrical engineering. After his dad passed in 1991, he moved to Lakeland to help take care of his mom. He tried his hand opening a short-lived business called Bob's Pasty Palace, then went to work at the Publix warehouse.

Robert is survived by his 4 children, Kevin Smith of Detroit, Karrie (Troy) Smith of Lakeland, Keith Smith of Lakeland, Kurt Smith of Detroit as well as his sister Sue (Mike) Koepfle of Lakeland, sister Cindy Jurek of Beaverton MI, brother Chris Smith of Redford Michigan, his grandchildren Michael Smith, Melissa Smith, Anthony Smith, Roger (Chelsea) Butterbaugh, Robin Butterbaugh, 13 great grandchildren, 8 nieces and nephews, and 9 great nieces and nephews. Robert was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Carol & Tim Golding of Wainwright, Alberta Canada, and his parents Charles & Marjorie Smith of Mulberry.

In keeping with the family's wishes, no formal service will be held at this time.

If so desired, the family suggests any memorial contributions in the name of Robert Smith be made to the American Foundation for the Blind, https://donate.fightingblindness.org/