Thursday, October 11, 2018 9:18 am

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