Robert Sellers Smith of S.E Huntsville, born in Samson, Alabama, died Saturday, September 26, 2020 at his home where he lived for over 57 years, surrounded by his family, after complications with an intracranial hemorrhage. Robert was the son of Abb Jackson Smith and Rose Drane Sellers Smith, both of whom predeceased him.
He received a degree from the University of Virginia (B.S. in Commerce),a Law Degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, and a Masters Degree in Taxation from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Robert spent his childhood in Sampson, Alabama and then moved to Panama City, Florida where he graduated from Bay High School and was accepted into The University of Virginia for ROTC. After graduating with a B.S. in Commerce, Robert joined the Navy and became a pilot. He later returned to the University of Virginia School of Law to earn his law degree and practiced law for over 60 years.
In February of 1963, Robert met his wife, June West Smith. They were married at Christ Church, Georgetown Episcopal, in Georgetown, Washington, DC. In Washington, Robert worked as a speech writer before moving to Huntsville, Alabama. During his long and rewarding law career, Bob worked tirelessly to help countless clients, friends, and family, and was pivotal in the success of numerous city projects. In February of 1968, Bob ran for Senate in Alabama and continued to author and edit multiple tax law books over his lucrative career. Robert never retired and worked for his clients until the week before his death. His kind heart and incredible generosity has touched the hearts and lives of so many.
Survivors include his children, Robert Sellers Smith, Jr. (Dorothy Sibert) of Smyrna, Georgia, David West Smith of New York, New York, Rosemary True Smith Evans of Franklin, Tennessee, and Adam Douglas Smith (Mata Smith) of Bend, Oregon; grandchildren, Chandler Doyle Evans and Anna Claire Evans of Franklin, Tennessee and Revio True Smith of Bend, Oregon; sister, Sarah Smith Price (John Price) of Montgomery, Alabama; and brother, Saul Dougas Smith of Montgomery, Alabama.
A celebration of his life will be held next July, 2021.
Memorials can be made to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, or to the ACLU.
