Mr. Robert Smith, Jr.

Dudley - With Sincere Compassion and Understanding, we, the Management and staff of Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors, join with the Smith and connected families to announce the earthly transition of Mr. Robert Smith, Jr., transitioned at the UNC Rex Hospital, Raleigh, NC. Robert Smith, Jr., a beloved member of our community, was born on July 7, 1946, in Wayne County, NC to the late Robert Lee Smith & Rosie Lucille Holden Ford (Henry Ford, Sr.). He lived a fulfilling life, and his journey came to an end on May 31, 2024, at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. He attended Wayne County Public Schools. He was employed at Calypso Plywood and retired from Excell-Linde Textile Company with over 20 years of service. He had a passion for grilling, and his skills were unmatched, earning him the title of the 'grill master '. He had a deep love for horses, particularly his horse Gipsy; he cared for her until her passing in 2022. He found joy in participating in trail rides, a testament to his adventurous spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Smith and Rosie Lucille Holden Ford and Henry Ford, Sr.; his wife, Brunetta Kay Smith; three brothers, Ronnie, Henry, and Don; and one granddaughter, Latonya Broadhurst. He leaves to cherish his memories: one daughter, Tonya Broadhurst of Charlotte, NC; two sons, Curtis Smith (Dana) of Springfield, VA, Antonio Covington of Goldsboro, NC; seven grandchildren: Jennifer Smith and Alexis Smith of Springfield, VA, Hattina Bellamy of Charlotte, NC, Destini Covington, Christian Covington, Breyanna Covington, and Aiden Covington both of Goldsboro, NC; two great-grandchildren Daviyonnia Broadhurst and Jamari Broadhurst of Charlotte, NC; two sisters: Janie Ford Whitfield and Edith Ford both of Dudley, NC; one brother William Holden (Patricia) of Goldsboro, NC, one aunt Ruby Wilson; his nieces: Shelby Ford Dobson (Matt), Channing Ford, Lisa Lee, Felicia Davis, Maria Garner, Juanita L. Thomas (Sean) and Torrie Coley (Javelle), Natasha Cannon and Michele Cannon; his nephews: Emmett Ford (Catina), Quisto Ford (Quanna), Timothy Holden (Crystal) and Ron Coley; 12 great nieces, five great nephews; his special friends: Willie Lee, Curtis Hardy, Nathaniel Coley, Philbert Boseman, and Matthew Holt Services of Love & Compassionate Care have been entrusted to Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors and Cremations, LLC.

Mr. Robert Smith, Jr.

July 7, 1946 - May 31, 2024