Bobby "Bob" R.C. Smith, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, surrounded by his family.  He was 84.

Bob was born January 5, 1940, in Decature, Alabama, to J.B. and Geneva Smith.  After graduating from High School, Bob joined the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.  Before deploying to Vietnam, he was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi where he met Sandra Pierce of Slidell.  The couple married upon his return from the war in 1966. In 1968 they made Slidell their home.  Bob took over Slidell Hardware on Pontchartrain Drive which he proudly ran for almost forty years. Known to many as Slidell's "Problem Solver" he enjoyed meeting and serving the people of Slidell.  He was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Slidell and strongly dedicated to the community. Bob never met a stranger, loved high school football and hunting with his sons.

Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Smith.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandra P. Smith; three children, Bobby Smith, II (Tara), Jeff Smith, Ashley Colgin (James); sister, Dian McKinnon; nine grandchildren, Holley Matherne (Austin), Aidan Smith, Owen Smith, Easton Smith, Malena Morales, Connor Smith, Damon Colgin, Addison Colgin, Kinsey Colgin; one great grandchild, Oaklynn Smith; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A private graveside service will be held at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.