Robert G. Smith (Graham), 94, of Schley, Virginia, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died at his family homestead "Creekside", Wednesday, February 8, 2017.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. After the war, he met the love of his life, Mary Anne W. von Gemmingen (deceased). In 50 years of marriage, they had 6 children; Robert G. Smith, Jr (Patricia), David V. Smith (Helena Goldstein): Jane S. Nunn (Charles), Elmslie B. Smith (Carole), Elizabeth E. Smith, and Marianne F. Smith Vargas (Richard). He was "Grandpa and Graham-Daddy-Graham" to 8 wonderful grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; he unselfishly loved his numerous nieces and nephews.
As an entrepreneur, he owned an appliance repair business in Richmond and finished his working career in 2001 as Postmaster of Schley Post Office. He had many interests and talents, and he passed his life-long passion of learning to his children. A voracious reader, he especially enjoyed historical fiction, Revolutionary, Civil War, and World War II non-fiction, and suspense novels. He fished on the Ware River until he was 93 and continued to eat his favorite Ware River treats: raw oysters and oyster crabs, until his death. He attributed his long life to "PB&B".
Graham became a Master Mason in 1969 of the Westhampton Lodge No. 302 A.F. & A.M; an Acca Shriner, Richmond, Virginia, in 1970 (long-time member of the Klownz Unit); and a member of the American Legion Post 75 in Gloucester, Virginia in 1979.
Graham lived a simple, unassuming life, spoke kindly, and loved generously. He "never met a stranger," adopting many family friends. Friends and extended family around the world regretfully bid farewell to the wonderful man who touched so many over the years.
The family will be accepting visitors at Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory, 7192 Main St, Gloucester Courthouse, VA 23061, on Sunday, February 12 from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. at Andrews Funeral Home, Monday, February 13. Interment services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Hollywood Cemetery, 412 S Cherry St, Richmond, VA 23220. Reception to follow.
Please send memorial donations in Graham's memory to the Gloucester Fire and Rescue Squad, PO Box 1417, Gloucester, VA 23061 who unfailingly served him and his family in their times of need.