Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith 42, of Amarillo died Tuesday September 29, 2009 in Amarillo. Memorial Services will be at 4:00 PM Saturday at South Georgia Baptist Church with Bob Miller, pastor officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be at 10:00 AM Monday at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. Arrangements are by Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel 2800 S. Osage St. Robert was born in Borger on August 19, 1967. At the age of 3, Robert was preceded in death by his mother, from injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Shortly after his mother's death, he went to live with his Aunt Gayle at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch. He attended Caprock High School his junior and senior years and graduated in 1985. Robert joined the United States Marine Corps in December of 1986. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. During his service, Robert traveled the world. He served as a Radio Watch Supervisor and was responsible for transporting his commanding officer. He received commendations for both jobs. Robert served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1991 and served in the Marine Reserves until 1994. After leaving the Marine Corps, Robert worked as an EMT for a short time before becoming a corrections officer for the Texas Department of Corrections in Amarillo. He worked for the TDCJ from 1998 to 2003. Robert was baptized on March 23, 1978. He was a member of South Georgia Baptist Church. He loved animals, cars and especially being a ""Dad"". He was also very proud to have served his country as a Marine. Robert was also preceded in death by his father and a grandmother. He is survived by 1 daughter, Tracie Nicole Smith of Castle Rock, CO; 1 brother, Mark Smith of Spring Lake, MI; 1 sister, Beth Eathorn of Wichita Falls; a stepsister, Shannon Barton of Amarillo; 2 aunts, Gayle Gonzales of Hartley and Donna Boyer of Dallas; 1 cousin, Debbie Larkin of Amarillo and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home and suggest memorial donation be to, Olivia's Angels in care of BSA Hospice P.O. Box 950 Amarillo, Texas 79105-0950.