Robert "Bob" Smith

Robert T. Smith (Bob), age 84 of Athens, TN, peacefully went home to the Lord on February 1, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. He was a loving husband to his wife, Rita Sue (Teague) Smith for 64 years. Bob was a devout Christian and member of Union Hill Baptist Church, where he led the choir and taught Sunday school. He loved singing and would whenever he could.

When he was younger, his hobbies were golf, bowling and riding his motorcycle. But his passion was studying and teaching the Bible. On Mondays, he enjoyed Pastors Conference and Thursday prayer meetings for revival at the McMinn-Meigs Baptist Association. He helped them plan community revivals over the last few years and served as Chaplain of the Christian Motorcycle Association-Local 994.

He is preceded by his parents: Thomas I and Grace Hyden Smith, brothers: Arnold Smith and Billie Joe Smith, sisters: Ann (Smith) Cramer, Jeanine (Smith) Wright, and Mona Katherine (Smith) Craft, niece: Karen (Wright) Carrier, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Leonard and Hazel Teague of Athens, TN.

Bob is survived by his loving wife: Rita Teague Smith, daughter: Vanessa (Smith) Metzmeier, grandson: Tony Smack (Tiffany), great-grandchildren: Joel Smack, Jared Smack, step-great-grandchildren: Jocelyn Castro, and Devin Riden, brother: Victor Paul Smith, along with several nieces and nephews: Linda Flagaly (Glen), Dawn Smith (Theodore) , Harry Cramer (Judy) , Tom Cramer (Bobbie), and Michael Wright (Debbie).

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Ziegler Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 6, 2024, at Union Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Jimmy Lewis and Reverend Van Elkins officiating. Interment will follow at Conasauga Cemetery in Etowah.

Tony Smack, Joel Smack, Jared Smack, Travis Roberts, and Ryan Ezell will serve as pallbearers.

If you are unable to attend the visitation or funeral service, please sign the online registry at: www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the McMinn-Meigs Baptist Association for Bible translation (Madagascar) Please mail donations to:

McMinn-Meigs Baptist Association

350 North Congress Parkway

 Athens, TN 37303

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with serving the family of Robert T. Smith (Bob).