Robert H. "Bob" Smith

Robert H. (Bob) Smith, of Kingsport, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2018.

Born in Coeburn, VA, he resided in Kingsport most of his life. Bob retired from Eastman after 34 years of service in the Organic Chemical Division. He was president of the Sullivan Gardens Optimist Club and president of United Methodist Men at Glen Alpine Church. Bob served two terms as a Sullivan County Commissioner. He was a volunteer of Holston Valley Medical Center since 1992. Bob was a charter member of Sullivan Gardens Volunteer Fire Department, an active member of CFS, a member of Mafair United Methodist Church. He was instrumental in the 1972 Optimist International motto change of "friend of the boy" to "friend of youth".

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sallie Smith; brother, John Smith; and sister, Lora Meade.

Bob is survived by his son, Bob Smith; daughter, Betsy Kern and husband Robert; grandchildren, Carol Ann Zelley and husband Patrick, Amanda Smith and husband Justin, Anthony Trent, and Andrew Smith and wife Sarah; great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Anna Catherine, and Zach Zelley, Chloe Smith, and Nathan and Olivia Smith; sister, Nell Lee; and many special friends.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, December 28, 2018, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Rev. Norman Wilhoit officiating.

Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shades of Grace, 313 E. Sullivan St., Kingsport, TN 37660.

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