Robert "Bill" Smith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Robert Leon Smith was born on November 9, 1930, in Mayo, Maryland to Joseph Henry Smith and Sarah Thomas Smith. Robert, well known in Lothian and surrounding areas, as “Bill Smith”, departed this earth on Monday 18 July 2022 and is now resting with the Lord. As a young man, he started his business career working in a grocery store at Daves Corner in Mayo, Md. Bill was the first proprietor of the “River Bend Inn”, a site where performances were conducted by many famous music celebrities. The River Bend was established to serve the black community during segregation; thus, luring the same from the “Corner”. Bill was also the proprietor of the local Philips 66 gas station. After retirement, he took employment with the 7-11 stores, working in several locations. Bill never failed to make family and friends laugh; he was our jokester, he was the life of every party, most enjoyed being in his company. People loved his cookouts with his ribs, chicken and fish. He was helpful towards people, always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. One thing is for sure, he LOVED children. He did anything and everything for them especially his children and grandkids. Bill served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in Korea. He blessed us and made us laugh with many stories from that time. In addition, he learned to cook while serving in the military. He preferred cooking verses Active-Duty orders. Bill has been preceded in death by his parents; and fours siblings: Ruth Colbert, Mamie Curtis, Charles Smith, Thomas Smith and one grandson, Robert Brown. Family left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Leila Smith; five children Aaron Smith, Alesia Davis (Thomas), Maurita Smith, Gaye Downs (his daily phone companion) and Sharon Smith; four grandchildren, Briana Smith-Williams, Erin Cooper, Maya Davis and Melvin Brown; one great grandchild, Robert Brown, Jr; one brother, Cornelius Lomax; two sister-in-laws, Maxine Martin and Naomi Smith; special friends, Charles Blandford and Norvain Sharps; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Robert "Bill" Smith

November 9, 1930 - July 18, 2022