Robert Earl Smith

Robert Earl Smith, III, 76, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away peacefully on Monday, February 14th, 2022. He was known as “Earl” to his family and “Bob” to his friends. As nicknames reflect affection, that suited him well. Earl/Bob was born in Cairo, Illinois to Robert Earl Smith, Jr. and June Rosemary Mason Smith. He graduated from Cairo High School and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. He enjoyed learning and reading, playing the trumpet, watching movies, and listening to music, especially the “crooners.” He loved going out to eat. He had special memories of the vacations he took with his cherished mother. He was predeceased by his parents, nephew Brett Smith, niece Elana Travelstead and brother-in-law Jim Travelstead. He is survived by four siblings, Charles Ray (Anne) Smith, Leata (Don) Parrott, Therese “Terry” Travelstead, and Sharon (Phillip) Arnold. He was a beloved uncle to nephews and nieces, Debbie Cokenour, Sherri (Joe) Smith Lawler, Kelli (Kevin) Parrott Hunt, Jeff (JP) Parrott, Beverly Parrott Woodle, Aaron (Kristin) Travelstead, Scott Arnold, and Brittany Arnold. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Pruitt Ridgeway for their attentive care of Robert. A graveside memorial service to celebrate and honor his life will be held at Bush River Memorial Gardens, on Saturday, March 19th at 11:00 a.m.