Robert P. Smith

Robert Paul Smith was born in Huntington, West Virginia, the first son of Robert Leslie and Bessie F. Smith. Bob graduated from Huntington High School in 1969 and attended Marshall University. When we remember Bob’s way of engaging every one he met, we will miss the way he reminded us to slow down and enjoy talking to people.

Bob gave his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church where he served in numerous ministries including the Male Chorus and Mass Choir.

Bob was an avid sports fan. His favorite teams included The Cincinnati Reds, The Cleveland Browns and The Cleveland Cavaliers. He also enjoyed reading, politics and history. He had a great love and knowledge of music which included jazz and gospel especially quartets.

Bob loved people. He would easily begin a conversation, even with strangers, quickly finding something in common to talk about. He had a way about him that put people at ease. He never forgot a face and once people met him he was never forgotten. He also loved to sing beginning his talent nearly 50 years ago with a doo wop group in Huntington, West Virginia called the Parliaments. His gift turned to a passion to serve God by singing with the Male Chorus and Mass Choir here at New Salem.

We are grateful for the time we got to spend with him. He was kind, humorous, charismatic, compassionate, and could tell one heck of a story. He was an amazing husband, son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and so much more. Family gatherings were always made brighter by his presence and they just won’t be the same without him.
On the evening of December 7, 2019 at the age of 68, Bob quietly walked through the gates of Heaven and peacefully placed his hand in our Savior’s hand and entered into Eternal Rest. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Leslie and Bessie F. Smith. Sister Leslie Starkey.

Those who remain to keep Bob’s memory alive include his wife, Toni, daughters Shana Moore (Demond), Kelly Perry (Victor), and Shannon Morrison; granddaughters and grandsons Shalon, Naija, Devin and Deyshon; sister, Barbara Hill of Detroit, brothers Bill (Vickie) of Huntington, West Virginia, Stan (Kay) of Cross Lanes, West Virginia, and Charles (Shiela) of Milwaukie, Oregon and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins and dear friends.

Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at New Salem Baptist Church, 2956 Cleveland Ave, 43224.

Interment at Glen Rest Memorial.