MAGNOLIA - Robert E. Smith, Sr., (fondly known as Stitch), passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Jan. 13, 1943 to the late Robert and Eva Smith of Milford.
Bob graduated from William Henry High School in Dover (1961). He was enlisted in the United States Army and attended Delaware State College. He retired from PPG (Pittsburgh Plate Glass) in Dover after 35 years of service.
On April 16, 1971 Bob was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He served Jehovah God faithfully and enjoyed the association of his brothers and sisters for nearly 47 years. He will be remembered by many as a brother who always made himself available to offer an encouraging word.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Jameszina Newsome.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sonja Dian Penn Smith, of Magnolia, whom he adored and was married to for 54 years. She was also his caregiver for the last few years of his life. He has six children, Anthony Jay (Jenny) Harmon of Harrington, Demetrice Smith of Dover, Robert (Teresa) Smith, Jr. of Ontario, Calif., Gidget (devoted son-in-law, Reginald) Millner of Frederica, Dwayne (Tiffany) Smith of Viola and Brandon (Holly) Smith of Greenville, S.C. In addition to his wife and children, Bob is survived by his sister, Betty (Clarence) Richardson of Houston; his sister-in-laws, Gertrude Pope of Mt. Holly, N.J., Alberta (Luegene) Whitfield of Massapequa, N.Y., Betty Vaughn of Massapequa, N.Y., Gloria Hardy of Mobile, Ala., Melba Clements of Massapequa, N.Y., Sylvia (Henry) Mills of League City, Texas; grandchildren, Tony Morris of New York, Dashawn (Currine) Smith of Bear, Chantel Smith of Ontario, Calif., Tiant and Roschae Smith of Greenville, S.C., Temar and Trevon Smith of Viola and Giovanni Millner of Frederica; special grandchildren, LaCresha, Patricia, Reginald, Jeremiah Millner and Shelton Morris of Dover. A host of nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved; and a spiritual brother and dear friend, Paul (Brenda) Dankanyin, whom he often commented as having the same Baptismal date, April 16, 1971.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers Reginald Millner, Lillian Wilburn and Tonya Upshaw.
Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses on Upper King Rd. in Felton (near Woodside).
Condolences may be sent via: www.pippinfuneralhome.com