Robert Lee Smith III, 35, died unexpectedly on the morning of Monday, Dec. 26, 2016.
Bobby was born Sept. 13, 1981, in Jacksonville, FL.
He mastered in Automotive Leather Interior Installation for 10-plus years of his life. His hobbies were building cars and listening to all genres of music. Bobby cherished every moment spent building memories with his children. He also enjoyed hanging out with his friends (to be center of attention, of course. Lol). He was always able to make everyone smile and laugh. Bobby had the personality to make a bad day turn good (at times. Lol). He would speak his mind, speak honesty and reality; “it is what it is.” He also enjoyed making memories with those around him, including his greatest memory of a football game with Melissa and his “Pops,” Jacksonville Jaguars vs. his Pops’ favorite team, the Miami Dolphins. Even though Bobby’s favorite teams were college football — Florida State and the Miami Hurricanes.
He is survived by his parents, Robert L. Smith Jr. and Janet Lehman-Smith, both of Jacksonville, FL; brother, Norman (Mitchy) McLeese of LaPorte; paternal grandmother, his Mammaw, Norma J. Grimes of Orange Park, FL; his greatest accomplishments, his three beautiful children: daughters, Haley R. Smith and Kristina M. Smith; and son, Robert “Bobby” L. Smith IV, all born in Jacksonville, FL; and his best friend of 17 years, his “Baby Momma,” Melissa A. Jones of LaPorte. He is also survived by many aunts and uncles, including his favorite aunt Jody; and several cousins, including two of his closest cousins, Michael Joe and Melissa Lehman.
Bobby was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, his “Papaw” Robert Lee Smith; and his maternal grandparents, Bobby and MaryJoe Lehman and Rose Orman.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at noon Friday, Jan. 6, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 11 a.m. until the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family of Robert L. Smith c/o Melissa Jones, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlerfunerahome.com.