Bob Smith, formerly of Carrier Mills
Bob Smith of Peoria, Arizona passed away on May 12, 2018 at the age of 90.
He was born in Carrier Mills on Sept. 7, 1927 to parents Raymond and Ruby Smith. Bob had one brother, Jerry Smith, who passed away in 2015. Bob and Jerry were lovingly raised by Carrier Mills resident and businessman Harry Fife after their father passed away and their mother Ruby and Harry married.
Bob is survived by his partner in life, his wife of 65 years, Barbara (Wright) Smith of Harrisburg, and two children Terri and Ron (Kimberly) Smith, both of Peoria, Arizona.
The small town kid from southern Illinois yearned to travel and see the world. He served as a Merchant Seaman after graduating from Carrier Mills High School. He graduated a proud Saluki from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree. After college he served as an Army 2nd Lieutenant in France and Hawaii and after his military service embarked on a decades-long leadership career in machine tool sales.
After several years with South Bend Lathe Works, in 1966 the Smith family moved to the wild, wild West - Phoenix - as Bob entered into business as a full partner with Copper State Machinery Co. For 20 years Bob and Barb grew the company into a financially successful local business.
In 1986, Bob retired to resume his love of travel that never left him. Bob and Barb wore out four recreational vehicles as they spent the hot summer months rolling through all 48 of the continental United States, Mexico, Canada, and much of Europe.
The Midwestern small town guy grew up loving basketball and baseball. As an avid Phoenix Suns fan, he proudly wore the group T-shirt along with many very special 20-year friends, representing the Bell Tower in Section 210.
Bob's love of woodworking began early in life, and it only grew later. "Bob's Shop" produced benches, tables, custom frames, window valances, signs, and holiday decorations for family and special friends.
A memorial service for Bob was held in Peoria, Arizona. Bob loved catfish, shrimp and salmon, so in honor of his 91st birthday in September, the family will host friends from far and wide for a catfish celebration to remember him. He was a great father to many more than just his own two children, and he was a sincere friend to many.