Robert Ulyssess Smith was born February 17, 1935 in Huntsville, Alabama to William and Iola (Gurley) Smith.

"Smitty" as he was lovingly known, spent his formative years in Huntsville, AL before relocating to Chattanooga, Tennessee with his parents in 1947.

Robert graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Chattanooga, TN in 1953 and attended Tennessee State University for 3 years before enlisting in the U. S. Air Force in 1959. Robert served two terms in Georgia and Germany before completing his military service at Fort McClellan in Sacramento, CA with a concentration in Dentistry.

After returning to Huntsville in 1965, he wed Marjorie Ann Catlin and together they birthed their first child Michael William Smith. Soon after, they would relocate to Palo Alto, CA by way of Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1968. In 1970 they moved to Santa Clara, California and birthed their 2nd child Kimberly Denise Smith and remained in neighboring San Jose, CA.

After being told that "his hands were too big" for dentistry, Robert pursued a successful career as an architect at Singer Corporation in New Mexico and California, before retiring from IBM in San Jose, CA after 25 years as a software engineer.

After 28+ years in California, Robert relocated back to his beloved home of Huntsville, AL in 1996 to care for his parents.

Robert quickly re-established his Alabama roots. He became a member of First Baptist Church and was involved in numerous professional organizations, most notably Mag7 and R.E. Nelms Elk Lodge #977. He also loved volunteering at Alabama A&M for their Summer Upward Bound program.

Robert loved all sports. Even after returning to Alabama, he remained a "Faithful 49er" football fan and CA Golden State basketball fan along with his beloved hometown Alabama A&M University where he would faithfully engage in tailgates and various festivities. Above all, Robert was an avid golfer. Known as "Billie D," on the golf course, his passion and obsession would lead him to play almost daily in retirement and win several golf tournaments throughout California and Alabama.

Because of Smitty's larger than life personality he never met a stranger. He was well known as the "life of the party," creating lasting relationships with young and old. His laughter and big heart would fill any room, and in his presence you always left feeling better.

Robert is survived by the love of his life Shirley Brown of Alabama, children Michael Smith (son), (daughter) Kimberly Christmas, (son-in-law) Troy Christmas of California, (grandchildren) Janae Smith, Lacey Smith, Kaleb Christmas and great grandchild Gia Rubledo of California, and numerous cousins, relatives and lifelong friends.

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Immediately before the funeral service The R.E. Nelms Elks Lodge # 977, Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World (IBPOEW) will conduct the Funeral Ritual (Lodge of Sorrow) at 1:45 p.m.

Funeral service for Mr. Robert U. ("Smitty") Smith will be Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with The Reverend Carolyn Landry, Officiant and The Reverend Earla Lockhart, Eulogist.

Link for YouTube LIve Stream

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