Robert Morgan Smith

Robert Morgan Smith (Bobby), age 63, of Forest City died Friday, January 1, 2021, at his home.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marie Smith.  

Bobby was born June 21, 1957, in Asheville, North Carolina.  A 1975 graduate of East Rutherford High School, he was an outstanding football player and self-taught musician.  He began playing in bands at the age of fifteen and continued to write and make music throughout his life, recording several albums along the way. 

At the age of eighteen, Bobby moved to Los Angeles, California, and attended a guitar institute there where he honed his craft for many years.  Upon returning to Rutherford County in the mid-1980’s, he continued pursuing his passion for music and worked construction.  He later earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  

Bobby was a friend to all and dearly loved his family. He is survived by his wife Mailee Duhac Smith and daughter Savanah Lee Smith, who was the light of his life.  They shared the home he loved and grew up in, and together they made it their own.  He is also survived by brother David J. Smith (Rosemary)  of Forest City, sister Karen S. Glover (Chris) of Forest City, mother-in-law Alma Duhac, sisters-in-law-in-law Jonalyn Roxas, Leah Precioso, Wendy Goloran, Mona Macatol, Egie Alcantara, brother-in-law Urso Duhac, of Bayugan City, Philippines, and a loving extended family.  

The immediate family will have a private celebration of Bobby’s life on Tuesday, January 5, at the Padgett and King Chapel.  Visitation for friends and extended family will take place outside the chapel from 4:30pm-5:30pm.  Please social distance and wear masks.   An online guest registry is available at  www.padgettking.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace of God Rescue Mission, PO Box 212, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.  

The memorial service will be available for live stream on The Padgett & King facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/PadgettKing

Many thanks for the outpouring of love and support from family and friends during this time. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.