Robert L. “Bob” Smith, 77, of Marietta, passed away from this life on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020, at the Harmar Place of Marietta, after an extended illness.

He was born in Sycamore Valley on Jan. 14, 1943, a son of the Arthur Raymond and Mabel McVay Smith.

Bob was a former engineer at the former Kardex Corporation, Marietta, and was also a former employee at the Sears Company in Vienna, West Virginia. He was a member of the Camden Avenue Church of Christ, Parkersburg, West Virginia; a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War; a 1961 graduate of Skyvue High School; and graduated Washington Technical College, Marietta, with an Associates of Engineering degree. He was an avid sports fan especially of Ohio State football and the Cleveland Indians. Bob loved fishing, county fairs, festivals, writing, poetry and coaching baseball.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Wavalea Dillon and her husband Robert; a brother-in-law, Warren Cline; and one nephew, David Dillon.

Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon Christy Smith; two sons, Scott (Christy) Smith, of Mineral Wells, and Christopher Smith, of Knoxville, Tennessee; one daughter, Deanna Hilliard, of Marietta; four grandchildren, Brenden Smith, Haylee Smith, Gavin Hilliard and Anthony Hilliard; one sister, Wilma Cline of Marietta; and several nieces and nephews.

Abiding with the State of Ohio recommendations for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, a private visitation was held for family only Thursday, May 28, 2020, at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with graveside services following at the Creighton Ridge Cemetery, Sycamore Valley, with Roger Rush officiating.

The family would like thank the Harmar Place, Marietta, for the wonderful care they provided to Bob over the past 3 ½ years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to The MSA Coalition, 9935-D Rea Road, #212, Charlotte, NC 28277.