Robert Lee Smith Jr.

Robert Lee Smith Jr., proud Veteran of the US Army passed away on September 8, 2022, at 85 years old. He grew up in Hawkinsville, Georgia, and born to Robert Smith Sr. and Dolly Cummings Smith on December 9, 1936. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 11:00 AM, at Sardis-Heard Funeral Home, with the Reverend Steve Johnson officiating. Full Military Honors will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 11:00AM at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Gardens in Milledgeville, Georgia..  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Mr. Robert Lee Smith Jr.

After graduating high school in 1954, he joined the Army at 17 years old. He was a valued member of this service for 22 years. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 03 after serving in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He saved many lives and completed many missions and was awarded many silver & bronze stars and distinguished flying medals for the heroism he exhibited during wartime. These heroic efforts inspired others to follow his lead.
After serving 22 years, he completed his Bachelor's degree at Troy University in 1977 and his Master's degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1979.

He was a contractor in Iran until the US Embassy fell in 1979. Again, his heroic efforts saved many US civilian families lives.
Later, he served as a Helicopter (IP) Instructor Pilot at Ft. Rucker, AL.

Robert is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sandra O'Reilly Smith and their son, Robert Lee Smith, III. He also has 3 daughters, Carrie Wolf (Mark) of Hillsboro, Oregon, Starla Adkinson of Alabama, and Lynn Smith of Georgia. Also 2 sons, Chris Eller of North Carolina, and Randy Smith of Georgia.  He is preceded in death by his sister, Myrtice Beasley.

Robert will be remembered for his love of family and country and his generosity toward others.
Please visit www.sardisheardfunerals.com to express your condolences.

Sardis-Heard Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6125 Houston Road, Macon, GA 31216 has charge of the arrangements.

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