robert alexander smitherman
WINSTON-SALEM - Robert Alexander Smitherman, 83, of Winston-Salem, departed this
life on Aug. 24, 2011, at his home.
He was born Dec. 4, 1927, the son of the late Joseph Harold and Kathleen Pickett Smitherman. He was the youngest of two children. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. He was on the varsity football team and was known as "Rabbit." He was an alumni of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served in the United States Navy at the end of World War II on the U.S.S. Hudson.
He spent a lifetime in the home furnishings industry in marketing and design. He was well-loved by many in the furniture trade.
He was married until June 1966 to the late Mary Louise Wilson Smitherman. He was preceded in death by Marilyn Gessner Smitherman, who became mother to his four children.
He is survived by children Robert A. Smitherman Jr. and wife Kay of Lewisville, Bruce W. Smitherman and wife Susan of Milton, Ga., Karen S. Wilson and husband J. Russell Wilson of Lewisville and Kathy S. Hardy and husband John F. Hardy of West Melbourne, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and longtime friend Mary Ferrell.
We will miss him dearly and trust that he is in the arms of Christ. He was the most optimistic person we have all had the pleasure of loving.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the charity of your choice.
Visitation and Service: Visitation is 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 at Cornerstone Christian Church in Mocks-ville with service to follow at 11 a.m. The service will conclude graveside at Forsyth Memorial Park Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.
He was born Dec. 4, 1927, the son of the late Joseph Harold and Kathleen Pickett Smitherman. He was the youngest of two children. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. He was on the varsity football team and was known as "Rabbit." He was an alumni of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served in the United States Navy at the end of World War II on the U.S.S. Hudson.
He spent a lifetime in the home furnishings industry in marketing and design. He was well-loved by many in the furniture trade.
He was married until June 1966 to the late Mary Louise Wilson Smitherman. He was preceded in death by Marilyn Gessner Smitherman, who became mother to his four children.
He is survived by children Robert A. Smitherman Jr. and wife Kay of Lewisville, Bruce W. Smitherman and wife Susan of Milton, Ga., Karen S. Wilson and husband J. Russell Wilson of Lewisville and Kathy S. Hardy and husband John F. Hardy of West Melbourne, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and longtime friend Mary Ferrell.
We will miss him dearly and trust that he is in the arms of Christ. He was the most optimistic person we have all had the pleasure of loving.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the charity of your choice.
Visitation and Service: Visitation is 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 at Cornerstone Christian Church in Mocks-ville with service to follow at 11 a.m. The service will conclude graveside at Forsyth Memorial Park Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.