Robert Smith

Dr. Robert Boynton Smith, devoted husband, father and friend, passed into the loving, comforting and waiting hands of both his creator and savior on Friday, April 24, 2009. Born September 20, 1931 in Bath, SC and growing up in nearby Augusta, Ga., Bob served honorably in the United States Marine Corp. before graduating from Presbyterian College in 1954. Dr. Smith then completed graduate degrees at both Union Theological Seminary (1957) and Edinburg (Scotland) Theological University (1961). The ensuing 30 years were fruitfully spent in pastorates in several churches, notably in Mississippi and Texas. A portion of 1979 was spent abroad at Oxford University (England) furthering his education. In 1986 he was named President of World Neighbors, a worldwide self-help organization. During this time Dr. Smith traveled extensively throughout South America, Asia, India and Africa working to improve the way of life around the world for multitudes. From 1989 until his retirement in 2003, Dr. Smith worked at The Board of Pensions of The Presbyterian Church, serving as Special Envoy to the President. Dr. Smith is survived by his wife of 55 years and lifelong companion Rita, grateful sons Buckner and Boynton and his wife Elizabeth Smith, granddaughters Adair and Amelia Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Visitation will be held at Pegues Funeral Home, 535 Jefferson St. in Tupelo from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28. Services will be held the following morning, Wednesday, April, 29 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Tupelo, Ms. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Presbyterian Homes of Georgia, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell, GA 30106, tel.770-819-7000