SMITH, ROBERT E. LEE, 78Belleview - Robert E. Lee Smith, 78. A memorial mass will be celebrated by Father Mark Niznik at St. Paul Parish in Belleview, Florida, for Robert E. Lee Smith, 78, who left this world on Sunday, July 12, 2009, at Tuscany House in Summerfield, Florida. Clara, his devoted wife of 58 years, was at his side. Bob Smith was a kind and generous man; a loving husband, father and grandfather; and a true friend to all who were fortunate to know him. He will be deeply missed by his entire family and his many friends. He led an interesting and eventful life, living it to the fullest and always maintaining his fine sense of humor. Born in Piggott, Arkansas, he moved with his family to Flint, Michigan, as a young boy. After attending Flint Central High, he joined the U. S. Air Force, proudly serving for 24 years, with tours in Alaska, Morocco, Japan, and bases around the country. His military honors included the Meritorious Service medal and the Air Force Good Conduct medal. He retired from the USAF 1002nd Inspector General Group in 1970 while at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He remained in Albuquerque for 31 years, retiring from the U.S. Postal Service. Bob loved to travel and rarely missed an opportunity to visit his family and friends. He was a passionate golfer and an avid bird watcher, and he enjoyed excursions to Florida's natural attractions and wildlife areas.He was preceded in death by his parents William Jennings Bryan Smith and Grace Myrtle Smith; brothers Ernest Marshall Smith and William Lloyd Smith; and sisters Villa Louise Robinson and Billie Evelyn Hayes. Cherishing his memory are his loving wife Clara and devoted daughters Marsha Ann (Mrs. Mark) Engelbrecht of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Rachel Lee (Mrs. Jay) Kinney of Potomac, Maryland. Bob was the proud grandfather of Heather Elaine Kinney, also of Potomac. His family includes numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law Peggy Smith of Louisville, Kentucky. The memorial mass at St. Paul Parish, PNCC, 5245 S. E. 112th Street, Belleview, Florida, will take place on Saturday, July 25, at 10:00a.m., with a reception to follow at the church. Heather Kinney will proclaim the readings. Bob's ashes will be buried with military honors at Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The family thanks the dedicated staff of Hospice of Marion County's Tuscany House. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tuscany House, 17395 S. E. 109th Terrace Road, Summerfield, Florida 34491, or to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Memorial arrangements are provided by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services.