The Life and Journey of

Robert Lee Smith

“The Sunrise of Life” … Robert Lee Smith was born January 16, 1945, to the late William Henry Smith and Edith Prince Smith. Robert was the third child of five children.

Robert accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at Greater Union First Baptist Church, Deland Fla

Robert graduated from Euclid Senior/Junior High School (Class of 1964). During high school, his first job was a paperboy with his bike, and known for wearing his khaki pants. After graduating from high school, he moved to Jacksonville in the middle 60’s. Robert was a diligent employee throughout his life, his employment began with Merita Bakery , Morrison Cafeteria (numerous years), Downtown Jax, City of Jacksonville (30 years), Royal Janitorial Service, Duval County Public Schools, Jean Ribault High School (10 years), Custodian for Mt. Olive A.M.E and Historic Mt Zion A.M.E. Church.

The scripture states, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh”. Robert met the love of his life, the former Yvonne Wilson. The two were joined in Holy Matrimony on January 19, 1968. This union was blessed with 56 years of marriage. From this union came seven beautiful daughters, and one son; Jackie, Westine Renae, Triplets (two girls), Rosylan, and Vanessa, one son. The Triplets lived one day.

Later in life, he joined Mt. Olive A. M.E. “I rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in the tents of the wickedness”. He joined the Usher Ministry, President of Usher Board #2, member of the Trustee Board; Son’s of Allen as well as the church custodian for over 30 years. Robert later moved his membership to Greater Grant Memorial A.M.E. Church, where he continued to serve faithfully as the church custodian for more than 15 years. He remained committed to serving the Lord and His church until his health began to fail on April 29, 2026.

A Family Man at Heart

Robert loved his family deeply, but there was a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Robert believed that family should come together, laugh together, eat together, and make memories together. He especially looked forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, He loved Secret Santa, and you could always count on him to enjoy the excitement of exchanging gifts and seeing what everyone had chosen. And then there was the Spades table—where family, fellowship, laughter, and a little friendly competition could always be found. Robert was also a true sports fan. He loved watching football and proudly followed his favorite teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles. And, of course, no one could forget his love for wrestling! Whether it was football season or wrestling night, Robert was ready to sit back, watch, and enjoy the action. For Robert, the greatest things in life were simple: his faith, his family, good food, a little friendly competition, sports on television, and having his loved ones close by. His family gatherings will never be quite the same, but the memories, laughter, traditions, and love he created will live on in the hearts of those he left behind.

“The Sunset of Life” … On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, our beloved Robert Lee Smith departed this life for eternal life in his Heavenly Home.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, three children, parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, one sister, and three brothers;

Left to celebrate a life well lived, yet morn his departure are many including his loving daughters, Jackie Smith (Deland),Westine Lodge (Jerome), Renae Edwards (devoted caregiver), Rosalyn Wilson (George), Atlanta Ga., Vanessa Gregg (Thomas), and Niece/Daughter, Patrise Jenkins (Ivory); his grandchildren: devoted granddaughter/caregiver Trenecia (Breyon), LaTonya, Jerica, Tierra, Cierra (Louis), Robert, Brittany, Andrew, Chris, Jr., Taniyah (Jalan), and Kierra; 14 Great Grands; Brother-in-love: Weston Wilson, Sr,; one uncle, Eugene Morgan; devoted cousin, Rudolph Smith (San Diego, California) and cousin Carnell Davis; Four God Children: Tabitha Jones, Charles Green, Taneka Paige and Robert Paige, Jr., and Jasmine Davis; host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.

Mr. Smith, may be viewed Friday, October 16, 2026, at Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, from 3:00 p.m. Until 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Greater Grant Memorial A. M. E. Church, 5533 Gilchrist Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32219, and the interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

Carthage Chapel Funeral Home, Inc., 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204