Robert Lowell “Bob” Smith, Jr., age 88, of Franklin, Texas and formerly of Rochelle, Texas, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Franklin, Texas. Bob was born June 25, 1936, in Brady, Texas to Robert Lowell Smith, Sr. and Ruth Pauline (Roberts) Smith. He attended school in Rochelle and graduated from Brady High School. He married Macy Louise Falkner in December of 1956. They were married for 28 years and had two sons, Bobby, and Randy. Bob married Mozelle S. Whitley on February 14, 1987. They were married until her death on December 30, 1999. Bob was of the Christian faith and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He loved the Lord, and he loved his family. He was an owner-operator and drove long-haul trucks all over the United States and Canada for many years. His favorite hobby was his Goldwing motorcycle. He loved taking trips and going for rides with his friends. He was known for his “gift of gab” and that he “never met a stranger.” He enjoyed meeting new “friends” during his travels. He was a lifelong resident of the Rochelle area.
Graveside services for Bob Smith will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Rochelle Cemetery in Rochelle with Reverend Stan Martin officiating. The family will receive friends, Saturday, prior to the service from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels.
Friends may view and/or sign Bob’s online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com. Pallbearers will be Robby Smith, Zach Smith, Lane Smith, Braden Smith, Colby Smith, and Jaxon Smith.
Bob is survived by his sons Bobby Smith and wife Genese of Franklin, TX and Randy Smith and friend Pam Kmoch of Rochelle, TX; step-son Terry Whitley of Burleson, TX; brother Jerry Smith of College Station, TX; grandchildren Brandy Burtchell, Amanda Smith, Robby Smith, Zach Smith, Tabitha Meadors, Randi Danielle Barron, Macy Smith, Michael Whitley, Christopher Whitley and Heather Whitley Aguilar; thirteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mozelle S. Smith. Memorial contributions in memory of Robert Lowell “Bob” Smith may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.