Robert K. Smith

April 2, 2013

Robert K. "Bob" Smith of East Bend, NC, Loving Husband, Dad, PaPaw, Brother, Uncle, Son and Friend left his Earthly home with open arms to join his Heavenly home on April 2, 2013. The Smith's Family earthly loss is Heaven's great gain. The bells are ringing and angels are singing as those who have gone before Welcome Bob home. Angels from Heaven whispered, "Come take my Hand your work is done." No more struggling, no more pain, no more sorrow. Bob fought for a year with Stage 4 lung cancer, with chemo and radiation, to stay with his loving family, but weakened each day till the Lord decided to free him. Bob was born in 1952 in Pineville, WV and graduated from Pineville High School in 1972 before joining the US Army where he served 6 years. He worked in the WV coal mines for 9 years before moving to Winston-Salem, NC. He was employed by Salem Electric for 10 years before becoming a level III electrical inspector of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County. During this time he served on the Curriculum Development Committee for the education selection of the Code Official's Board. He taught continuing education classes for both the Qualification Board and the NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. He was also an instructor at Forsyth Community College where he taught Electrical apprenticeship courses. He was a long standing member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors. Bob has always been one to assist and share his knowledge of the electrical field with students, contractors, homeowners: anyone with a question knew to call Bob for the answers. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the NC Ellis Cannady Chapter of IAEI. Bob often credited his brother, Alvin Smith, for his interest and knowledge of the electrical field. Bob is joining his Mom's unbroken circle in Heaven. In that circle are his parents, Oley and Marie Smith; his brothers, Arville, Wendell, Alvin, David, and Michael; and sisters, Helen, Sylvia, and Edith. What a joyous reunion they are having. Listen closely and you can hear his Mom praising Jesus for bringing her baby boy home to her. Those left here to cherish his memories and miss him every single day are his loving wife, Janice; son, Shannon; daughter-in-law, Lynn; and his grandsons, Joey and Austen. Bob's love and pride of his family was evident in every aspect of his life. Also left here are his brothers, KV Smith and wife, Wilma of Pineville, WV and Darrell Smith of Ballard, WV; sister, Gloria Dawn Spence and companion, Steve Johnson of Beckley, WV; 19 nieces and nephews; 34 great nieces and nephews; and 14 great-great nieces and nephews. Also surviving are many of the Harris family, no longer in-laws but true brothers, sisters and loving family. Multitudes of family and friends will miss the example and guidance that Bob provided to all who knew him. A visitation will be Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Vogler and Sons Reynolda Chapel. There will be a visitation at the Tankersley Funeral Home in Mullens, WV on Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 1:00-3:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at Walker Branch Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Phillip Spaugh, David Bailey, Jason Spence, Scott Woosley, Jacob Bailey, Tim Smith, Vince Smith, Adam Bailes, Ray Lewis, and Wayne Vernon. The Smith family would like to thank the following people for the kindness and caring they have shown to Bob and Jan: Forsyth Hospital-9 West; Cancer Center of Forsyth Hospital; Hospice of Davey County, NC; Forsyth Community College; City of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Electrical, Plumbing and Building Inspector; and The Ellis Cannady Chapter of IAEI. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.