Robert Gerald Smith

Robert Gerald Smith, 71, of Asheville, whose light brightened every life that had the privilege of crossing his path–died in peace and comfort–on Tuesday, June 11 2024. 

A lifelong resident of Asheville, Bob was taught the values of generosity and hard work by his mother Myrtle who raised him alongside his maternal grandparents Mittie and Bill Smith, Sr. Each of them sacrificed greatly to send Bob and his siblings through Catholic school–instilling in them the value of an education. His teachers, the Franciscan Sisters of Allegheny and Religious of Christian Education made a deep impression upon him and inspired his lifelong dedication to learning and service to his community. After graduating from Asheville Catholic High School in 1970, Bob was the first person in his family to attend university, graduating from Western Carolina in 1974 with a degree in Social Work. After college, Bob worked for the remainder of his life as a civil servant–distinguished both by his civility to all, and the care with which he served each person he encountered. He had a heart for the outcast, the struggling, the excluded, and the marginalized, and he dedicated himself to reaching out to them.

Bob loved people and people loved him. Most of all he treasured his wife of 46 years: Donna, and his sons: David and Christopher. Bob made sure that his sons received what he did not: a dedicated, loving, upright father who treasured their mother. He taught us how to ride a bike, to make our bed every morning, how to drive a car, how to age gracefully, to always show up five minutes early, to speak to everyone we pass by, to tie a tie, and to never neglect an opportunity to tell a loved one “I love you.” Not a day will go by in either of our lives without our missing him: he was our everything. 

Surviving him are the aforementioned: Donna Smith, of the home; David Ryan Smith of New York City, and Christopher Smith, SJ, of Baltimore. Also left to grieve him are his sister D. Smith, who was his best friend and confidant, and sister in law Mo Casey of Asheville; Sisters in Law Lynette Vaughn, of Asheville, and Judy (Charles) Vaughn of North Wilkesboro. Nieces Chernean Stokely and Barbara Flournoy of Atlanta, GA, Shemika Littlejohn of Charlotte, NC and Ashli Reid of Asheville, NC; nephews Kevin and Jeffrey Minor of North Wilkesboro and Sapphire, NC, respectively. In eternity he joins his mother and siblings: Ophelia Bronson, Sam and Rodney Smith and Bennie Reid, Jr; his niece, Viebica Stokely, and a BELOVED 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity–Bessie–the apple of his eye (for some reason still unknown to all but Bob).

Interment will be privately held in Riverside Cemetery. A memorial service in the Quaker tradition will be held on Thursday, July 25 at 11:00 AM at Weaverville Community Center. In lieu of flowers, Bob believed that simply smiling at another could change the world. In memory of him, when you see a new face today, pass on the light that he shone: smile at them or say hello. This is the greatest way you can honor his beautiful soul. Donations may also be made, in his honor, to Francine Delany New School for Children and the Asheville Friends Meeting.

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