Sergeant Major Robert Allen (R.A.) Smith of Rutherfordton

Sergeant Major Robert Allen (R.A.) Smith of Rutherfordton, passed away October 1, 2018. Robert grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He loved sports, becoming accomplished in tennis, boxing, & karate. Robert loved the ocean, fishing, surf fishing, competing in bass tournaments, & running shrimp boats with his 2 brothers. Robert was a 23-year veteran of the US Army, serving several combat tours in Vietnam. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division & the 7th Special Forces Group, specializing in parachute assault operations. As a Green Beret, he led Long Range Reconnaissance & Patrol units, was a Combat Medic, & spent many months in the field training Montagnards, the indigenous troops of Vietnam. Robert also had a gig as a disc jockey. Known as "R.A. the D.J," he entertained crowds from all over with his jokes and engaging personality. Robert became a beloved member of the Rutherfordton community. Left to cherish Robert's memory are his wife, Sallie Summey Smith of Rutherfordton; son Robert Allen (Bob) & wife Amy Currie of Monroe, daughter Sarah Morse & husband Milton of Spindale; daughter Laura Morse Koepke & husband Mack of Denver, CO; sister Gloria Rigdon & husband H.A. of Melbourne, FL; brothers Perry & Carroll Winters of Jacksonville, FL; sister-in-law Jane Summey & husband Dale Mullennix of Charlotte; sister-in-law Susan Summey Wilkening & husband Leif of Locust Grove, VA; beloved cousin Clawson Smith of Jacksonville, FL; & a number of nieces & nephews. A celebration of Robert's life was held at Second Baptist Church in Rutherfordton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Baptist Church: 191 Green St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139. Crowe's Mortuary