The Rev. and Dr. Robert L. Smiddy, age 91, of Palm Harbor, Florida, died in his home on October 7, 2014. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Smiddy and his wife moved to Palm Harbor in 2002. He received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville; a Master’s degree in Christian Education from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky; and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, KY.
He served as Minister of Education and Administration in Southern Baptist churches for forty-five years. Among the Churches he served were First Baptist Church, Roanoke, Virginia; First Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia; College Park Baptist Church, Orlando, Florida; Tower Grove Baptist Church, St. Louis, Missouri; Bon Air Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia; and the Dover Baptist Association, Glen Allen, Virginia. In 1987 he was voted as Distinguished Christian Educator of the Year by the Virginia Baptist Christian Education Association. He was a certified member of The National Association of Church Business Administration.
Dr. Smiddy served in the United States Army during World War II (1943-1946) in combat in Germany and Czechoslovakia and in occupation duty in Japan. He was awarded a Bronze Star and numerous other medals. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Blanche Lovette Smiddy, Palm Harbor, FL; a daughter, Carol Smiddy, Clearwater, FL; a son Bob Smiddy, Jr., Palm Harbor, FL; a son, Tom Smiddy and his wife, Sherri, Clearwater, FL; a grandson, Andrew Robert Smiddy, Palm Harbor, FL; and a brother, Dr. Joe C. Smiddy and his wife, Reba, Wise, VA. He has numerous nephews and nieces throughout the country.
The family will receive friends at the Palm Harbor United Methodist Church, 1551 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor, FL, on Thursday, October 16, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. with a service following at 1:00 p.m.
A burial service will be held at Florida National Cemetery on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.
Flowers may be sent to Palm Harbor United Methodist Church or a Donation may be made in the Memory of Robert L. Smiddy to: Honor Flight of West Central Florida, PO Box 55661, St. Petersburg, FL 33732..
Please sign his guestbook below.
Mr. Smiddy was one of those mentors in my life, who has helped to ground me. Having a dad who was unfaithful to mom, I have sought such men throughout my life, and it was with excitement years ago when Bob was our transitional pastor in Walnut Grove Church. He was selfless and he exuded something that I seek today. Thank you Bob for who you were, and I guarantee he was a mentor for so many. Godspeed.
Dear Mrs. Smiddy,
You and your family are being remembered in my thoughts and in my prayers. Bob had a positive impact on thousands of people. Please take good care of yourself.
Prayerfully,
Glenn
If ever there were a man more like Jesus than Bob Smiddy, I’ve yet to meet him.
God’s peace to all those grieving his return home.
We send our love and prayers to you upon the passing of Bob. He was a special servant for Dover Baptist Association and his work for the Lord was greatly appreciated.
Blessings to his family during this time.
Love in Christ,
Steve Smith
Dear Blanche. We have been thinking of you and praying for you. We know you are missing your husband. May the Holy Spirit bring you comfort. Love and Prayers, Lewis, Ruth & Kevin Lanham
I always enjoyed working with Bob at the Dover Association office and at Walnut Grove. He was a true servant and will be missed by many. My sympathy to his family.