Rev. Robert C. Smith

The Rev. Dr. Robert C. “Bob” Smith, of Grand Rapids, passed from death to eternal life on April 20 at the age of 97. The sense of loss is eased by knowing that he is pain free and rejoicing in heaven.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Helen(Gray) and grandson Bryan Smith.   Surviving are his wife Dorothy, Son Robert H. Smith, granddaughter Margaret (Jim) McConnell, Great-granddaughter Madeline, step children, Glenn Jaffas, Elaine (Jim) Unrath, Doran (Rose) Jaffas, step grandchildren, Regan Christian-Frederick, Ashley (Tyler) Rowe, Jillian (Ryan) Waldhart, Cecelia Joy, Ari Jack and Quinn Elliott.  Bob was born in Grand Rapids in 1919 and grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids.  He graduated from the “old” Union High in 1937, and went on to graduate with honors from the University of Grand Rapids, class of 1942. A Bachelor of Divinity Degree from the Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He did further graduate work at Boston University and Union Theological Seminary in New York City. In I968, Adrian College conferred the Doctor of Divinity Degree.  Bob held many positions of leadership within the Methodist Church and communities where he lived, including Ovid, Mt. Pleasant, Jackson, Grand Rapids District Superintendent and Conference Council Director. He was chairman of the Camp Commission, member of the Board of Education, Chairman of the Board of Ministry and a trustee of Adrian College. He was a member of the North Central Jurisdiction Council on Ministries. As council director, he served as a consultant to all the program agencies of the Annual Conference. He helped develop the World Hunger Program of the West Michigan Conference and was active in the Conference Peace Program. He was one of the organizers and directors of Project Plant Hope, an ecumenical group in Grand Rapids, raising money for world and domestic hunger.  Bob was on the initial planning committee for what is now the United Way program.  Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew him because of his faith, leadership style, his goofy sense of humor, passion for mission, his genuine compassion for the undeserved of the world.  A Memorial Service will be held Saturday April 29, 2017 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Drive SE Grand Rapids, at 2:00 pm with visitation one hour prior to service time.   

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