Robert Lee Smith, Jr.

Robert Lee Smith, Jr., son of the late Robert Lee Smith, Sr. and Minnie Louise Fleetwood, was born March 30, 1956, in Paterson, NJ. He transitioned peacefully on April 14, 2021.

Robert received his primary education in the New Jersey school system, graduating from Trenton Central High School where he developed a love for playing soccer, basketball, football and baseball; he even played basketball while in the Army. Robert also enjoyed watching sports on TV and was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan. He often wore his team gear to show his support and . Robert also enjoyed roller-skating and could dance on skates with such finesse and style.

Robert was a dedicated and hard worker since his teenage years and one of his first jobs was as a dishwasher at a hotel in Princeton, NJ. He later continued employment in the food services industry as a cook, working for Amtrak Railways for more than 15 years and Syracuse University in New York. Robert later became a member of Abundant Life Ministries of Rocky Mount and enjoyed working with the food pantry ministry, helping those in need.

Anyone that knew Robert can surely say he enjoyed being the “life of the party” and always made you laugh. Many would consider him a friend, as he maintained numerous friendships from his childhood years.

But the highlight of Robert’s life was the day his son “Robbie” was born. Robert shared his love of sports with his son and they had a very special bond.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Bonnie Hess-Smith; one son, Robert Lee Smith III; one stepson, Jamie Calkins; one step-daughter, Brooke Billings; three sisters, Natasha Alleyne (Kenwin), Audrey Smith-Peterson (Reginald) and Brenda Fleetwood; one niece, Akeiba Fleetwood; one nephew, Terrez Fleetwood; a very special friend Lucy Brockington; and a large host of other relatives and friends.

 

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