Robert Lee Smith, affectionately known by family and friends as “Bubby” and “Pops,” passed away on the evening of September 1, 2026, at the age of 77 at his home. He was born on January 19, 1949 in Hinton.

Robert was a proud Vietnam veteran of the H Troop 17th Calvary Americal Division who honorably served his country with a ranking of Sgt. E5. His service was something he carried with pride throughout his life, and his family will forever be grateful for the sacrifices he made for his country.

Robert was a mason by trade, spending many years working with his hands and taking pride in a hard day’s work. After a long career, he retired and enjoyed the years that followed surrounded by the people who meant the most to him, but the names Bubby and Pops speak to the Legacy he leaves behind.

Robert and his wife, Nancy, were faithful members of Calvary Baptist Church, where their faith was an important part of their lives.

Above all else, Robert was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. To those closest to him, he was simply Bubby or Pops—names that came to represent a man who was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Robyn Waggoner; his brother, Johnny Cook; his sisters, Sue Smith, Minnie Cook Meador and his mother Mary Frances Smith and father John Henry Shrader.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Nancy Smith; his children, Chris Waggoner, Cindy Waggoner Boone and husband Bryan Boone, Nellie Smith Sigman and her husband, Doug Sigman. He was a proud grandfather to Derrick Waggoner, Justin Sigman and his wife Corie; Brandon Boone and his wife Cheyenne; Cody Boone and his wife Miranda; Jordan Sigman Farley and her husband, Michael. He was also blessed with several great-grandchildren who brought great joy to his life. Robert is also survived by his brother, Willard Cook, as well as extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory including several nieces and nephews.

His family will remember the man they loved, the memories they shared, and the many years they were blessed to have him in their lives. Though his passing leaves an empty place that cannot be filled, his memory will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched.

Rest easy, Pops. Your work here is done. You served your country, provided for your family, and left behind a family who loved you dearly. You will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel with Pastor Derrick Leslie officiating. Burial will follow in the Farley Cemetery at River Ridge. Visitation will be from 11:30 A.M. until time of services on Saturday at the funeral parlors. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations of sympathy be made to the Wounded Warriers Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.