Rochelle

RJ Robert "Bob" "Fisherman" Smith, 78, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2014 in his home, Rochelle, IL. Bob was born February 26, 1936 in Wise County, VA to Elmer and Maude (Walker) Smith. Bob married Betty Lea Gregory on February 4, 1955 in Richmond, IN. They lived in Dayton, Ohio, Ashton and Rochelle, IL.

Bob worked at Price Brothers, Inc. for 30 years as a crane operator. He had a love for fishing, boating and the outdoors. Bob also loved to spend his time playing cards with his friends and family. Bob was an amazing cook, if he could catch it, he could cook it. Bob was a loving, compassionate and caring father, grandfather and father-in-law and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is proceeded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, Elmer and Maude Smith, his sister, Helen Smith, his brother, Paris Smith and his sons: Raymond Smith and Richard Smith.

He is survived by his four sons: Gregory A. (Gay) Smith of Dixon, Robert J. Smith Jr. of Rochelle, Mark Smith of Rochelle, Jim (Betsy) Smith of Lindenwood; eight grandchildren: Gregory A. Smith Jr., Gwyn Smith, Bobbie Joe Smith, Asha Doperalski, Brady Smith, Eric Lovelady, Alex Smith and JJ Slayton; three great-grandchildren: Gregory A. Smith III, Hunter Smith and Jeremy Smith; one brother, LH (Mary) Smith of West Milton, OH and daughter-in-law, Denise Smith (Richard) of Rochelle.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at the Rochelle United Methodist Church, 709 Fourth Avenue, Rochelle with Pastor Cindy Marino officiating. The visitation will be from 5:00 to 5:50 P.M. prior to the service at the church and a fellowship time will follow the service. Memorials may be made to the family and sent to: Jim and Betsy Smith, 16899 E. Ivy Rd., Lindenwood, IL 61049.