On February 22, 2025, Robert Franklin Smith, age 74, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Bobby was born on February 13, 1951, to mother Irene (Burkhart) Smith and father Herbert Smith in Cawood, Kentucky. He was a beloved son, husband, father, and papaw.
In 1971, Bobby entered the U.S. Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. After completing his service in the US Army, Bobby went to work for Ford Motor Company for 38+ years, where he was given the nickname Smitty.
On December 26, 1986, Bobby married Nalda (Lay) Smith. During their marriage, Bobby and Nalda raised three daughters. When he retired from Ford Motor Company, Bobby took on the role of a devoted papaw who drove his grandchildren to school events and extracurricular activities.
Bobby was a man of great kindness and love; his greatest joy was found with his family. He is survived by his wife, Nalda Smith; his three daughters, Melissa Smith, Summer (William) Pierce, and Shauna (Matthew) Gaynier; his two sisters, Brenda Hopper and Vickie Hawks; his eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Irene Smith, and his sister, Janie Howard.
The Celebration of Bobby's Life will begin on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 3 - 8 pm at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The celebration of Bobby's life will continue, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, 4260 S. Dixie Hwy, Monroe, MI 48161., where at 11:00 am, the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors followed by a memorial service with the Rev. Tim Iocoangeli, pastor of the church, officiating.