NORWICH – Robert (Bob) Lewis Smith, 72, of Hendersonville, N.C., former Norwich resident, passed away July 30, 2008 at the Carolina Medical Center in Monroe, N.C. following a battle with cancer.
Born in Norwich on Sept. 30, 1935 to Herman and Mildred (Barnhart) Smith. Bob grew up in the Norwich area and graduated from Norwich High School in 1953. After hitch hiking to Texas to visit a pen pal of many years, he enlisted in the Army and served in the 82nd Airborne Division . Returning from the Army, he worked briefly at the Norwich Pharmacal Company. He attended NYSU at Albany where he earned his teaching degree. After earning his Masters Degree, his career took another turn and he went to work for IBM until he retired in 1987. He spent his retirement raising his two youngest girls. They traveled throughout the United States and Canada, making friends everywhere they traveled. He kept in touch with all his friends on his blog, www.we3.zoomshare.com “The Ins and Outs of a Travelin’ Man.”
Bob is survived by his children: Laura (Rick) Hersey of Tennessee, Bobby Smith, Lesley (Mike) Ferguson, Becki Smith all of Florida, Lynn Smith of Asheville, N.C. and Anne Smith of Brevard, N.C. and a granddaughter Solae of Florida.
Also surviving are his sister, Patricia McMullen of Monroe, N.C. and his brothers: Richard Smith of Norwich, Donald Smith of Binghamton, Herman Smith of Monroe, N.C., Harold Smith of Sheldon, Vermont and Douglas Smith of Fleetwood, Pa. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
He was predeceased by a baby son William and a sister Gladys Smith Deady of Norwich.
Those wishing to remember Bob may make a contribution to Kiva.org or a charity of their choice.