Obituary of Robert James Smith

Robert James Smith, 83 years of age, of Punta Gorda, Florida (previously Pontiac, Michigan) passed away peacefully on December 28, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ortonville, Michigan, Robert served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS J.C. Owens DD-776 from July 1955 to August 1957 and retired after 30+ years from Madison Electric. Robert enjoyed spending his spare time driving back country roads, watching wildlife, and visiting Moose Lodge #1693 and Elks Lodge #2606. Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Theodora "Teddi", of 36 years; his children Kenneth Ward III, Kathleen (Christopher) Ferguson, Loraine (David) Lynch, and Tommy Smith; his grandchildren Andrea Resendez, Joseph Resendez, Corey (Marisa) Maclachlan, Kimberly Lynch, Kenneth Ward IV, Jamie Ward, Kristina Ward, Timothy Ward, Cheyenne Ward; and 11 great-grandchildren. Robert is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Howard A. (Marjorie) Smith Jr., and is survived by his siblings, Edward (late Betty) Smith and Virginia Hynes. A remembrance service will be held in Summer 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Robert J. Smith to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.