Robert O. Smith (9-21-11) services 9-23-11

Robert O. Smith was born in Olive Hill, Tenn., on July 9, 1930, the son of the late James Benjamin Smith Sr. and Bertie Isabell Hurst Smith.

He graduated from Tennessee Polytechnical Institute (what is now Tennessee Tech) in Cookeville and, on Sept. 7, 1951, was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ann "Libby" LeCroy, who survives.

From 1950–1953, Robert served in the United States Navy working as a mineman during the Korean War. His responsibilities included not only riding a minesweeper searching for mines, but also constructing them. During this time he and Libby resided in Hawaii. From 1957 until 1962, he worked as a food inspector for the United States Department of Agriculture and resided in Oregan and Idaho. Once he and Libby returned to Olive Hill, he began farming, raising Angus cattle, and for 30 plus years worked as the Post Master Relief at the Olive Hill Post Office. Robert was a member of Woodman of the World, served with District 9 of the Hardin County Volunteer Fire Department in Olive Hill, Tenn., and was a member of the Association of Minemen.

From 1962 until present, Robert continued to operate the family store, H.O. Smith and Sons, with his brother Jim until Jim’s death two years ago. He and Libby ran the store until his sickness.

An excellent fisherman who loved the sport, Robert fished everytime he had the chance and always claimed to have taught his son Billy everything he knows about the sport. He also enjoyed entering different sweepstakes that were offered in a weekly newsletter he received. He entered often and over the years won everything from bicycles to cash to basketballs, most of which he gave to his granddaughter, Jo Ann.

Robert departed this life on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 12 days.

In addition to his wife, Libby of Olive Hill, he is survived by one daughter, Ann Smith Franks and husband Joel of Savannah; one son, Billy Smith and wife Vickie of Olive Hill; one grandchild, Jo Ann Franks Schumann and husband Keith; two step-grandchildren, Brad Freeman and Blake Freeman, one step-great-grandchild, Maddox Freeman.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, James Benjamin (Jim) Smith Jr.

Services were held on Friday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m., at Shackelford Chapel in Savannah with Don Simmons, Kyle Wishhurt, Roger Henson officiating. Burial followed in the Memory Gardens at Savannah.