Mr. Robert L. “Bobby” Smith, 80, passed away, December 30, 2022, in Chattanooga. He was a believer. He was born February 17, 1942, to the proud parents of A.T. and Minnie Nani Smith in Matherville, Mississippi. Later in life he moved to Chattanooga, TN, where he was employed by Stein Construction Company and retired after more than 30 years of service.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, A.T. and Minnie Nani Smith; five brothers, and three sisters.

Robert is survived by three sons, Timothy Petty of Germany, Robert L Smith, Jr., and Cordarius Smith, both of Chattanooga; three daughters, Melva D Shepherd of Chattanooga, Lashon S. (James) Powell of Houston, TX, and Robbie Smith of Chattanooga; 22 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; companion, Mary Peters; two brothers, Earl (Flora) Smith of Chicago, IL, and James Smith of Waynesboro, MS; three sisters, Mae C. (Ray) Williams of Texas, Luella (Charles) Williams of Fayette, MS, and Lizzie B. Smith of Matherville, MS; devoted best friends and neighbors for over 50 years, Ralph Smith, Danny Bettis, Emmett Lofties, and Herman Nance; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Public viewing will be held from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, followed by an 11:00 AM funeral service in the Chapel of John P Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave 423-622-9995.

Interment: Highland Memorial Gardens.