Obituary of Robert Lee Smith

To Our Beloved: Husband…Son…Sibling…Father…Grandfather…Great Grandfather… Uncle …Poppa… …Pop… Friend…Best Friend and Bro…!! Robert Lee Smith, ”Smitty” age 71 of Utica, NY completed his assignment here on earth and has entered his Rest to be with our Lord and Savior-Jesus Christ…Amen…!! “To Be Absent From The Body Is To Be Present With The LORD” Robert “Smitty” was born in Canton, Ohio on August 13th 1952 to Lee Voltra and Bernice Barnes Smith both, (pre-deceased). Robert has (7) siblings: Billy Smith- Jacksonville, FL; Gary Smith aka “Smitty”- Rasheen Brooks- son of Utica; Jerry Smith of Jacksonville, FL; Janet Smith (aka) “Nunie” of Thorofare, NJ; -daughter Latoya (Dawud) Brown of Pennsauken, NJ; Annie Smith (aka) “Ann” –daughters-LaShawn (Tarrance) Edwards of Utica, Tiffany Smith of Utica; Gloria (aka) “Tina” Walker-daughter-Renetta Walker of Rochester, NY, sons- Armon Walker of Whitesboro NY, Keenon Walker of Tampa, Fl, Anthony (Angela) Smith of Rochester, NY; and Lee Smith (Thejaunine) of West Palm Beach, FL. Robert also leaves behind (2) uncles- Matthew Cummings of Utica, NY and James (Pennie) Cummings of Utica, NY. (2) first cousins-Robby Slade (recently deceased) - Noel “Coco”, Marques “Marky” and Jahari); and Joanne Slade - Lekeya “kiki” and Justin. Eddie Roy Smith and Christine Smith of Utica are close cousins. A dear cousin, Josephine Smith aka “Big Mama” would speak frequently with Robert and they loved to talk, talk, talk all day…!! As well as a host of other uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins who he cared for and enjoyed their company as well. Robert always expressed the love he had for his siblings. There’s a bond between them that’ll never be broken…but the person who knew his thoughts and had that special ability to soothe his mind and give him peace, was non-other than: Rosia Smith Nealy “Auntie Rose” (Howard Nealy) Thank you …Auntie Rose …TY…TY…TY… “CLEAR” In March of 1985, Robert and Angelita began their life journey together, and on August 13th 1993 they entered into Holy Matrimony, joined hands and created a union that would outlast all past and former relationships on both sides. A tree was planted and roots began to grow beginning with Robert’s first born Theresa Nicole Smith-daughter who gave him a Granddaughter- Karmon Smith, then Samuel “Man” McDonald-son who gave him a second Granddaughter- Tatyanna McDonald. The tree continued to grow and bear fruit with the biggest surprise package of all, Voltra Lee Burke Smith…which was ”an unexpected blessing ” they had a son…!! Smittys “Bonus”-Daughter Lolita J. Oguguo (Benjamin) added (6) Grands to their tree that continued to grow. Jacinta Jenkins- Malichi Wesby, John Wesby and Isaiah Wesby, Heaven, Journey, and Angel Jr., Jazzian Jenkins (Tiffany)- Jazzian Jr., Jollette, Michael and Leasha; Crystell Jenkins-Najayah, Dwayne, Davion and Jahnayah, Joseph Spratt, II- Joseph III, Novah, Naila; (Gran) Zanita Spratt and (Gran)- Rahmel Spratt. The family continued to spread its wings as Smitty and his wife welcomed four children into their home, (daughter)Felicha Burke-Amaya, Dominick and Lance; (son)Filmore Burke III-D’Amari, (son) Peter Burke, Jr. (Apinya), (daughter) Margreta Burke-Mehki. Additional family included- Karen Peterson- Adrian, Brian, Charlette, Demetrius, Eric Peterson (deceased) and Kimberly. Brother in law (predeceased) Filmore Burke Jr-(Maria) - Malcolm Burke (Raina), Davina, Tiffany, Jamal. Brother-in-law Peter Burke Sr., sister-in-law (predeceased) Elizabeth Burke, sister-in-law Tiresa Burke. Cousin (in-Law): Thadeus Murph “Junior” (Janet)-Sheldon, Jason, Dieadra, Myron, Samuel Murph, William Murph, Debbie Murph. Each year that the Family size increased, Robert’s role as Head of the “Smith and Burke Family Tree” became increasingly more needful and significant. Robert has always been a strong hard working man a quality admired by many. He always took care of “Family First”. After working at Rome Cable in (Rome, NY) for a period of 15 years the company decided to relocate outside of NYS. Robert’s close friend, Keith Frazier indicated their might be an opportunity for the both of them to get hired at the NYS Division of the Canal. They both went down to give it a try and they both were hired. Robert worked 26 years, working under treacherous conditions, dealing with severely cold weather conditions in the winter and extremely hot conditions in the summer. He was promoted to Marine Engineer and held that job for his last five years with the canal which made the whole family quite proud of him. He retired from the canal in 2015. Now he would have more time to relax and do the things seniors do. He was happy…very happy…a happy camper indeed. Smitty’s affiliation with the Buffalo Soldiers made him proud, satisfied and pleased. He was appointed to be Road Captain and took it serious. How serious… very serious. He was proud…he was honored…he was pleased. He was all in for good reasons, for the Brotherhood, and for the cause. Over the years, Smitty had many associates, contacts and yes he had friends, some were near and some were far away. The following is a very short listing of some of the friends he held close. Some are still here, and some have gone on… to that journey way up in the sky: Deceased-“Stick”aka-Nate Sanchios, Keif Frazier, “B.J. aka-”Billy Johnson, Lee Liggins, Steve Schaffer -NYS Canal Division, Angel- “car mechanic”, “Bill”- NYS Canal Division, Minister Lester Parham, Roy Hendricks, Lefty, Still here with us -Minister Michael Wright and wife “Patricia Wright,” James and Debbie Liggins, Sonny Bell, Steve Woodard, “Ghost”aka-Jessie Patterson “Lytte”aka-Anthony Johnson, Ervin Fudge and Joyce, Frank Shackeford and Lilly, Vinny Hall and Melissa, “Tom” from ShotGun Riders, “Biz”, Joann & James Hunter, Albert Hill, Roger Blair, Janet Blair, Dan Patterson, Mr. John Frazier, Mr. John Lacy, Frances Frazier, Gimonde Harvey, “Wolf”aka- Robert Lee Lawrence, Angie MacLin, Chu fr. NYS Canal Division, Althea & David, Dennis Harris & Ducky, Jessie aka-“Roof Doctor”,Sheilah/Vernita/Joyce (Girl’s Night at Jonnahs), John Mayo, Marcella Lee, Ricky & Joe Turner, Gail Frazier, Stella Smith, Diana Peguess, and Tye-next door…!! Smitty has always been a good person well-liked by all he met…he was an easy man to talk to …an easy man indeed…!! And yes, we are going to miss him…this man of very few words…that uses plane simple English to make his point well heard. “CLEAR”