George Robinson Smith Jr.

Robbie was born in Charlotte on September 13, 1946, to the late Dorothy Jones and George R. Smith Sr. His family moved to Sharon Road in the area now known as SouthPark in the late 1950s when it consisted only of a dirt road near the Morrocroft Dairy Farm. Robbie attended Charlotte Country Day School before transferring to Asheville School as a boarding student. He returned Charlotte to attend Myers Park High School where he graduated in 1965.

Following high school, Robbie furthered his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning his undergraduate degree in Business Administration. He then received his Master of Business Administration and Certified Public Accountant certificate from Emory University.

An entrepreneur by trade, Robbie began an accounting career with Deloitte Haskins & Sells prior to joining the family business, E.J. Smith & Sons Company of Charlotte. Throughout the years, he served several positions at the company before venturing out on his own to become president of Smith Engines Inc., a parts distributor for small air-cooled engines. Robbie loved and respected his coworkers, many who worked with his father and grandfather before him. He retired in 2007 and moved to Ocean Isle Beach, NC, where he lived for several years before relocating to Boynton Beach, FL.

In his early adulthood, Robbie served in the North Carolina Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve. A sincere Patriot, he served enlisted time before being commissioned as an officer in the Army Finance Corps. He proudly completed his service with the rank of Captain.

During his early fatherhood, Robbie enjoyed spending time with his children by taking them to football and basketball games at UNC, major and minor league baseball games, and Charlotte Hornets games. He would spend time with his sons on the baseball field and on Boy Scout camping trips. When not at various sporting events, you could find Robbie with his children on the golf course at Quail Hollow Club, on the water fishing or on a road trip to somewhere fun. As his family became older, he would plan an epic adventure every other year after Christmas to a warm destination where he would enjoy time with his children and their spouses.

Robbie’s favorite place was Ocean Isle Beach, NC, where he would take his family for two weeks each summer. His love for the water ultimately led him back to live there later in life. He enjoyed having friends visit and prided himself on being the ultimate host, excitedly telling guests about everything he had planned for food and fun before they could even walk through the door. He followed up by cooking large breakfasts and fantastic dinners during their stays.

In 2015, Robbie moved to Boynton Beach, FL, and settled into the Quail Ridge community, a familiar place where he felt a sense of comfort, having spent time there with his late father many years before. He liked everybody and would do anything to help a friend in need. Robbie was charismatic yet complicated at the same time. He was a special and gifted soul who was a friend to all.

Robbie is survived by his sister Dottie Smith Dailey (Michael) of Hillsborough, NC; children Rob Smith (Ashley) of Virginia Beach, VA, Bryan Smith (Kendy) of Seattle, WA, Christian Smith (Suzie) of Charlotte, NC, Molly Smith Nye (Michael) of Mint Hill, NC, and Shepard Smith (Lauren) of Athens, GA; and grandchildren Langley Smith, Caroline Smith, Anderson Smith, Henry Smith, Emerson Smith, Sullivan Smith, Peyton Smith, and her baby sister due to arrive in May 2022. He is also survived by Dean and Roy, his Yorkshire terriers that he adored.

The family is deeply grateful to Maria Garcia for her care and compassion for Robbie, especially over the past several years. Additionally, the family sincerely appreciates the nurses and doctors who cared for him as well as Clark Kepplinger and Mike Frederico, who were truly great friends when he needed them most. The family sincerely thanks Paula Laney, who was special to him and his beloved dogs while they lived at Ocean Isle Beach. Importantly, the family is truly thankful to everyone who loved Robbie and made him a part of their lives.

The family will hold a private graveside service at 11:00 am on Monday, February 7, 2022. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory to the Patriot Foundation, PO Box 5069, Pinehurst, NC 28374-5069 (www.patriotfoundation.org), or the Humane Society of Broward County, 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 (www.humanebroward.com).

Arrangements are in care of McEwen Funeral Home. Please share memories and condolences at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Smith family.