Robert Columbus Smith, Sr.

Robert Columbus Smith, Sr. aka “Smitty”, “Roberto” and “The Kid” October 12, 1922 – November 4, 2007 Robert Columbus Smith, Sr., transitioned peacefully among his family and friends at Memorial Medical Center after succumbing to congestive heart failure. He was 85 years young. Born in Springfield, Illinois and a lifelong resident, Mr. Smith was the son of the late Walter B. Smith, Sr. and Viola Sutton Smith Burney. His beloved wife of sixty-one years, Essie Byrd Smith, and his grandson, Bj Ladd, preceded him in death Memorial Day 2005. His son, Gerald D. Clemons, of Springfield, and five siblings also preceded him in death. Mr. Smith was employed for over three decades as a lithograph operator for Taxpayer’s Federation of Illinois and retired from their service in 1973. Mr. Smith was a veteran of WWII having served his Country in the U.S. Navy. He was an accomplished portrait artist, winning many awards for his talent as well as a beautiful figure skater, builder and all-round troubleshooter. Well known and respected as an exceptional pool player, Mr. Smith’s picture hangs in “Starship Billiards” in front of the pool table reserved by the owner for him and his brother James every Friday evening for many years. The two were inseparable, competitive yet loving brothers, often drawing a crowd of onlookers when playing there. Mr. Smith is survived by his loving children: Robert Columbus Smith, Jr. of Arizona, Sly Dawne Smith Valera of Colorado, Cheyenne Byrd Smith Youngblood of California, Charmaine Smith Ladd of the Florida Keys, Antoinette Smith of California, Maurice Scott Smith of Champaign, Tempi Elizabeth Smith Duffey of North Carolina, and Caleb Smith of Springfield. Mr. Smith is also survived by two of his seven siblings: sister Juanita “Ni-Ni” Smith Dewith Barton, and brother James Smith, both of Springfield, along with a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, as well as all those who would be otherwise unrelated yet are indeed related because of Mr. Smith’s fatherly guidance which often was a positive turning point in their lives. Mr. Smith taught his family and friends about living life to its fullest. He was known for his endless sense of humor and personifying his favorite self-declaration that “Every day’s a holiday!” Mr. Smith’s positive outlook and kind manner was more than catching to all who knew him. His way of opening his arms and his heart, getting through to others, and making a difference in their lives was his true gift. He often said, “I’ve never met a stranger,” and he never did. He will be missed, not only by his family and dear friends, but no doubt by all those who ever had the pleasure of spending even just a few moments in his presence. Following a private cremation ceremony all loving friends and family are invited to attend the Celebration of Joy from 4 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at Starship Billiards, 2301 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield. Join us to share in the tribute of the life and times of Mr. Robert Columbus Smith, Sr. Bring your Sticks. “Via Con Dios”.