Robert Lee Smith

Robert Lee Smith (Rail) departed this earthly life Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015 at his home in Memphis.

Robert Lee Smith was born July 20, 1952 to Howard and Areous Smith. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at True Light Baptist Church, pastored by the Late Rev. O.W. Weaver. Robert later joined St. Hope Anointed Outreach Ministry Church under the leadership of Pastor Cora Pulley of Memphis.

He attended Richard B. Harrison High School and later joined the United States Army in 1971.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Areous Smith, a brother (Kenneth Smith) and a grandson, Darius (Scooter) Buggs.

He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted and loving wife, Debra Smith of Memphis and eight children.

Three sons, Patrick (Angela) Smith, Robert (Brittany) Smith of Memphis, and Byron Smith of Houston, Texas.

Five daughters, Tina (Derkar) Walton and Shikela (Sammy) Smith, all of Memphis, Chiquita Smith of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Tunya (Steve) Liggins of Nashville, Tenn.

Three brothers, Ellis (Frances) Smith of Sacramento, CA, Howard (Patricia) Smith III of Blytheville and Anthony (Tara) Anderson of Jacksonville, Ark.

Four sisters, Annie Mae Smith, and Ellen Jewell Smith-Thompson both of Blytheville, Dorothy Smith-Burton of Jonesboro, and Joyce (Jimmy) Woods of Port Arthur, Texas, Twenty-nine grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.

A special sister in law, Mary (Anthony) Brown, God sister, Frankie (Joe) Potts, extended brother and sisters in laws -- Luster Family, two brother in laws Willie (Ann) Bonner all of Blytheville and Edward Black of Chicago and Cora Pulley a special aunt of Memphis, and a host of aunts, uncles nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 1, 2016 at May's Funeral Home, 2034 Elvis Presley Blvd, in Memphis from 5:30 -- 6:30 p.m. Then visitation in Blytheville, Saturday Jan. 2, 2016 at Frontline Family Ministries, 120 West Walnut St. from 11 a.m. -- 1 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 at Frontline at 1 p.m.

Interment will be Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, in Memphis at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Grant Funeral Home of Tunica, Miss. is in charge of arrangements.