Robert Leon “Bob” Smith, 68, MSgt., U. S. Air Force, Retired, died Friday May 27, 2016 at Baptist Hospital-Collierville, Tenn. after an extended illness. Born in Pontotoc County on July 16, 1947 to Norris L. Smith and Virgie Lucille Swindle Smith, he lived his adolescent years in Pontotoc Co. and graduated from High School in Memphis. MSgt Smith spent 22 years in active duty service with the United States Air Force. He was stationed at numerous bases in Arkansas, California and Japan. A patriotic American soldier, MSgt Smith was accommodated upon retirement with many medals including Air Force Commendation Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, the Good Conduct Medal with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze OLC, the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 OCL’s and the Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 OCL’s. He married Sandra Leiko Akiyoshi Smith in Honolulu, Hawaii on July 11, l970. After retirement in l991, they returned to the Tupelo area. He spent several years as a Police Officer with the Verona Police Department. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, watching wrestling and music especially traditional Country music.
A service celebrating his life, with full military honors, will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Bro. Dempsey Rowland officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery in Pontotoc County. Visitation will be from 9 AM-service time Tuesday only. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving the family.
Survivors include his wife, Sandy Smith of Saltillo; two sons, Robert Landon Smith (Teresa) of Las Vegas, NV. and Gregory Lee Smith (Amanda) of Saltillo. His mother, Lucille Swindle Smith of Tupelo. 7 grandchildren: Rebecca, Sabrina, Lexie, Junior, Carlos, Jalie and Dixon. He was preceded in death by his father, Norris Smith and a sister Faye Smith.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Tidwell, Eddie Harlow, Buddy Williams, Bill Malone, Eric Ethridge, Austin White, Steven Whitaker, Coley Turner, Justin Stidham, Andy Pritchard and Jeremy Kyle.
