Robert Eugene Smith

Robert Eugene “Bobby” Smith, 58, passed away peacefully in his home on June 8, 2017 surrounded by his loving girls. Bobby was born in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Henry Clay Smith and Geraldine Burdette Smith. Bobby was a graduate of Oscar F. Smith High School Class of 1976 and a graduate of the apprentice program at NorShipco. He was a true tradesman. After leaving the shipyard industry he went to work as a Manufacturing Manager at Riggins Company in Hampton, Virginia. Bob commanded a very strong presence at work and was extremely passionate about his job. He loved the people he worked with and had a unique relationship with John Munford the owner. He was strong in his convictions to support the success of the Company.
Bobby was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Bobby lived life everyday to the fullest. He was a compassionate, loyal and devoted friend to all that were blessed to have known him. He was a warm loving, caring and extremely giving man with a heart of gold. Yet he was never afraid to tell you what was exactly on his mind.
He was a devoted golfer and enjoyed most Saturdays and Sundays on the course.
As a husband he was a supporter, the truest friend and confidant a wife could ask for. The love that Bobby had for his daughters was immeasurable. His newest joy in life was the birth of his granddaughter Rylee.
In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by a brother, Danny Athans. He is survived by his wife, Karen Hickmott; three daughters, Abbra, Alexis, Hannah and his son-in-law Robbie and their children, Rylee and Sara Luper; seven siblings, Patsy Brown, Richard Carl Athans, Jr., Dana Joy Nixon, Roxann Leonard, Gardner L. Perry, III, Lisa Watson, and Debbie Tesmer; mother-in-law, Margaret Cox; sister-in-law, Kim and her husband Dave; brother-in-law, Kevin and his wife Kelly; along with many Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family gives special thanks to the care givers from Medi Home Hospice, to the medical team at the Emily Couric Cancer Center at UVA and to our very special friends that have helped with trips to UVA, food and just showing us all the love in our time of need.
A mass service will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 2 pm in the Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth. The family wishes expressions of sympathy to take the form of contributions to the Roc Solid Foundation Building Hope for Kids with Cancer.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.altmeyerfh.com
Altmeyer Funeral Home, 929 S. Battlefield Boulevard, Chesapeake, is in charge of the arrangements.