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Robert “Rob” Harold Smith
November 3, 1951 – December 16, 2017
Former State Senator Rob Smith passed from this earthly life to his Heavenly Father Saturday, December 16, 2017, at his home in Florence surrounded by his family. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 19, 2017, from 5:00 pm until 8:00pm at First Baptist Church Richland in Richland, Mississippi. Visitation will also be held Wednesday, December 20, 2017, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at FBC Richland, with services to follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be held at Richland City Cemetery.
Mr. Smith was born November 3, 1951, to C.E. and Jewel Smith of Richland. He graduated from Florence High School in 1969. He received a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University and a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College.
He was a REALTOR and an accountant, and owned his real estate business located in Richland for 42 years. He was a member of FBC of Richland. Mr. Smith loved his community and served in many capacities; he was a member of the Eastern Star, Jaycees, Exchange Club and he was proud to be a Mason. He loved and was very active in Rotary, serving as a founding member of the South Rankin Rotary Club and its president. Mr. Smith also served as the 6820 District Governor. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and recently honored at the Rotary Club of Jackson as a major donor.
His love for music lead to forming a band in high school called the Rebel Rousers. He was a singer, songwriter, and drummer. He wrote music for MBI and recorded many of his songs. He played at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. While in Natchez, MS, he helped form the Natchez Record and Recording, Inc. His passion for music was surpassed only by his passion for helping others.
Mr. Smith dedicated his life to public service. In 1979, he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives and served four years. In 1983, he was elected to the Mississippi State Senate and served District 35 for 20 years. Over 24 years he authored numerous pieces of legislation that greatly impacted his community and state. He was very proud to author the bill that gave Purple Heart recipients a free car tag, as his father proudly served in WWII and was a Purple Heart recipient. He worked closely with former President Bill Clinton on impactful agricultural initiatives. He was an advocate for veterans, firefighters, and law enforcement communities. He believed in public education and promoted the arts in public school curriculum.
He was a man of integrity, intellect, and compassion. He received many awards from his legislative peers and community throughout the years for his dedicated public service. He truly exemplified the notion of “service above self.” His motto was “Lord let me help someone today.” He believed his greatest accomplishments were raising two daughters, Tara and Karlie, and marrying his wife, Pam.
He was predeceased by his parents, C.E. and Jewel Smith of Richland, and his father in law, Dan Stewart of Florence.
He is survived by his wife, Pam; daughters, Tara (Trey) Clark of Madison, Karlie Smith of Pearl; grandchildren, Adda Laine Pattie, Caroline and Olivia Clark of Madison; brothers, Sidney (Becky) Smith of Byram, Joe (Jonce’) Smith of Byram; sisters, Judy Pitts of Richland and Becky Smith of Brandon; aunts, Nell (Jerald) Kennedy of Magee, and Linda (Stan) Roberts of Hattiesburg. And many other nieces, nephews and cousins that he loved dearly. He loved his step children, Robin (Nathan) Renick, Suzanne (Lee) Walker, Karla (Joel) Sarmiento, and Nate Anderson, as well as, 15 grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Robert H. Smith Scholarship Fund at Mississippi State University.
Services are entrusted to Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence MS.
