Mr. Robert Lorenzo Smith Jr. peacefully made his transition to eternal life on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the age of 62 years. He was born June 18, 1953 in Saginaw, Michigan to Robert Lorenzo Smith Sr. and Ellen Arthur Jones.
Robert served his country with the United States Army where he received an honorable discharge. He was an avid fisherman, carpenter, body-builder and truck driver. Robert was an awesome dog trainer and was a member of the AKC Dog Training Club. He was a compassionate, people-person who although he was sick he would still do anything for you with a smile. Most people often referred to him as their hero, dog man or fishing buddy. If you ever asked him how he was doing in spite of all he knew his reply would be, Im blessed! Robert was a proud and devoted father who loved his children and grandchildren dearly. His wonderful presence will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He leaves to celebrate his legacy two daughters, Nikeba (Darris) Woods of Indianapolis, Indiana and Tasha (Andre) Beverly of Saginaw, Michigan; three sons, Lorenzo Sparks of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Robert (Angle) Sparks and Hermese Connor both of Saginaw, Michigan; eight step-children, Lisa Bryant, Leroy Davis, Angela Mitchell, Deborah (Michael) Copes, Brent Collins III, Desmond, Esmond and Demetrius Collins; grandchildren, TyShea Calhoun, Jawaun Calhoun Jr., TyVarion McCaw, DeRonnie, ALayla and ALeaha Sparks, Khalil Beverly, Amese, Keemese and Detrayvon Conner, Devontae, Divaun and Alixai Sparks and Tessa Hightower; three sisters, Ella Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada, Roberta Jones of Saginaw, Michigan and Tracey Smith of West Chester, Ohio; three brothers, David Smith of Saginaw, Michigan, Thomas Smith of West Chester, Ohio and Joey (Ingrid Keie) Smith of Saginaw, Michigan; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; two aunts, Ruby Williams and Shirley Layfield; many other relatives and friends including his special friends, Charlie Harvey of Bay City, Michigan and Frank Mills II of Toledo, Ohio.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Smith Jr. and Ellen Arthur-Jones, grandparents, James and Julia Smith, one grandson, Robert Sparks Jr. and one granddaughter, ASane Conner.
The family would like to express special thanks to everyone for their love and support during our time of bereavement. Knowing that one day everyone will cross the same threshold, it is comforting to know that in our time of need there are special people like you. A very special thank you to Gentiva Hospice and Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. May God bless you all!
Visitation: Monday, December 14, 2015 - 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-754-4826
Funeral Service: Tuesday, December 15, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-754-4826
Officiating: Pastor Dennis Cotton, Life in Christ Ministries
Interment: Great Lakes National Cemetery
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