Robert Lee Smith

Robert L. Smith “Bob”, 90, of Winter Park, FL passed away at Serenades Memory Care in Winter Garden, FL on August 30, 2021. Born on June 11, 1931 to the late Clyde Lanier Sr. and Bessie Templeton Smith, Bob graduated high school from Summerlin Institute in Bartow. He attended Mars Hill College, then graduated from Stetson University, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bob pastored churches in NC, First Baptist Church of Lake Alfred, FL., then served as a missionary in Yokohama, Japan, and Bandung and Djakarta, Indonesia. Upon his return, Bob was Director of the Baptist Student Union at UF in Gainesville, Florida. From then, he worked in the field of youth mental health services in the Orlando area. Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church, Orlando, and much enjoyed the NU Class. He had fond memories of his mission work in Indonesia. Bob is survived by his devoted partner, Frances B. Smith, children Miriam Hart (Rick) of Fort Myers, FL., Laura O’Neail (Mike) of Lake City, FL., and Lanier Smith of High Springs, FL, nieces, Maylee Brooks of Lakeland, FL. and Katherine Bays (Robert) of Chester, IL, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Clyde L. Smith, Jr. “Smitty.” Private family service at Whidden-McLean, Bartow, with internment at Bartow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Orlando, FL.