Robert Herschel Smith

Robert Herschel Smith, retired circuit judge of the thirteenth judicial district, died April 8, 2024, from complications of Parkinson’s. He was born in Mobile on September 20, 1944, to Malcolm Glen Smith, Sr. and Marie Thompson Smith. He graduated from Murphy High School and then attended Birmingham-Southern College where he received a degree in Business and Economics. While at BSC, he was very involved in campus life. He served his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, as president, was an SGA representative, president of the Interfraternity Council, president of the Honor Council, and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society.

He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama and was a member of the Farrah Society and the Alabama Law Review.

He returned to Mobile to practice law and did so until 2006 when he was appointed to the bench by Governor Bob Riley. He was then elected to two terms as a circuit judge in Mobile County.

Robert is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Anne Sisson Smith, three daughters, Margaret Anne Smit of Mobile, Claire Smith Taylor (Mikell) of Mobile, and Katherine Smith Nichols (Claude) of Birmingham, and two grandchildren, Mikell William Taylor, Jr. and Anne Henson Taylor, both of Mobile. He is also survived by his brother, Co. M. Glen Smith, Jr. (Rhoda) of Tuscaloosa, brother-in-law William H. Sisson (Mary Jane) of Mobile and sister-in-law Jane Sisson Seigel (Lester) Birmingham. He is survived by a host of much loved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, as well.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his memory at the Country Club of Mobile on April 20, from 1-3 pm. His family requests that you bring your favorite Robert stories to share. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.