Robert Clell Smith

Robert Clell Smith, AKA “Rock”, “Big Rob”, “Deddy” (with an e), Papa Robert, went to be with the Lord on September 23, 2023 after a notable battle with his health. Renown doctors and professionals were astounded by Robert’s strength and perseverance. Robert was born on April 6th, 1964 to Clell Foist Smith and Sarah Usher Smith, in Laurinburg. He blazed a trail to Heaven for his wife, Peggy Knight Smith, his only children, Chelsie Breigh Johnson (Jeremy) and Brock Smith, both of Gibson, his four grandchildren, Brooklyn LeAnn, Samuel “Jett”, Atlas Wesley, and Scarlett Willow, his mother and father, Sarah and Clell Smith, baby sister, Edna Haywood (Herman) of Pinehurst and little brother, Carter Smith (Jeannie) of Conway along with a host of countless friends and family. 

If you were blessed enough to know this man on a personal level, I extend my congratulations. If you were unlucky enough to be on the other side of his good graces, I send my condolences. His eldest grandchild, Brooklyn speaks of him so nobly, remembering him most vividly for his ability to forgive as if a wrong doing never happened and loving without requirements. His friends remember him for being true, solid, loyal, and always looking out for them. His wife, Peggy, remembers him for the way he loved without end, Amen. His daughter, Chelsie, remembers him as the best Deddy there ever was and ever will be. He checked every box to be the best father to his son, Brock, who is special in every way. He loved his little sister and brother, and as his baby sister says, “Would fight an army for his family”, his daughter adds “By himself”. 

An avid fisherman, a TRUE friend, a blue collar legend, a proud American, a master farmer who had a green thumb and loved it so much, a devoted father and husband, that was Robert. He loved and adored animals and he believed that no animal should ever be mistreated. He believed in you especially if the odds were stacked against you. The underdog was always his first draft pick in any situation. Even if you did not know this man, you have suffered a loss. Because this world is one more good man down. One less good daddy, husband, son, grandpa, and Lineman. 

Robert worked for the City of Laurinburg dutifully since he was 19 years old, started from the bottom and retired as the Director. He was always armed with a few good belly laughs, his sense of humor was unmatched. This man could work circles around anyone, twice. Robert was truly a family man, and to say he will be missed would be the understatement of the century. 

A few honorable mentions are required, I feel, as these were people who held a special place in Robert’s life till the very end. Mike Chance, David Ruble, Jackie Jordan, Cameron Perkins, Pat Knight, Martin Chavis, and Raymond Knight just to name a few, were always there in many ways. His family couldn’t thank you enough. 

If you’ve read this far, I hope you are blessed afterwards to know good people still exist, genuine people are still around. But the biggest downfall of life on this earth is the fact that those people have to leave us. This Lineman made his last big climb to heaven at 6:23pm on September 23, 2023. There is no doubt that you’ll find him on the outskirts of Heaven. It would be Robert’s wish that every person reading this would find their way there too, I hear there’s Dogwood trees, and honey bees, and blue skies, and green grass forever. 

I wish good Daddy’s never died. 

SERVICES:

Visitation will be on Friday, September 29th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Richard Boles Funeral Service in Laurinburg

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm at the Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel on Saturday, September 30th with graveside burial to follow at Pinecrest Cemetery in Gibson. 

Family and friends will be received following the funeral at Robert’s daughter’s home in Gibson. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Clell Smith, please visit our floral store.