Mr. Robert Otis “Bob” Smith, age 61, of Ashland, will be Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland at 3:00 P.M. with Dr. Tom Kirkpatrick speaking. Burial will follow in the Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery in Lineville.
Mr. Smith passed away on March 4, 2020 at his residence. Bob was born in Columbus, Mississippi, while his father was serving in the Air Force he lived in several states including Alaska and also in Japan, then for some time in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and in Clay County in the early 70’s. He was a 1977 graduate of Clay County High School and then attained Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Jacksonville State University. Mr. Smith served on the Talladega and Clay County Board of Education, and was the director of the child nutrition program. He was avid runner, often running in 5K’s, 10K’s and marathons. He attended the Birmingham Congregation of the Church of God; a World Wide Association.
He is survived by his wife, Linda S. Smith of Ashland; two sons: Brandon Smith (Bonnie) of Trussville, and Nathan Smith (Katelyn) of Auburn; one Grandson, Riley Smith, of Auburn; his father, L.J. Smith of Ashland; 2 brothers: Joe Smith of Ashland, and Wes Smith (Joy) of Trussville; his mother in law, Nettie W. Sparks of Ashland; his brothers-in-law: Rodney Sparks of Ashford, David Sparks of Lineville, and Buddy Sparks (Tiffany) of Lineville; plus a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Arline Crapse Smith; his paternal grandparents: Jefferson and Lillie Smith, and his maternal grandparents: Otis and Susan Crapse.
Pallbearers will be: Zach Smith, Eric Smith, Kenneth Williamson, Rodney Sparks, Victor Colburn, and Ellis Williams.
The family will receive friends on Saturday March 7, 2020 at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland from 1:00 P.M. until service time at 3:00 PM.
