Robert Walter Smith

Robert Walter “Bobby” Smith, 88 of Madison, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born on November 21, 1937, to the late Charlie Estes Smith and Mary Glassell Melone Smith. He was preceded in death by his brothers; C.N, David and Leslie Smith; sisters, Mary Ellen Garth, Nellie Leathers and Judy Morris.
Bobby was raised in Hood, Virginia. He met the love of his life, Virginia, in high school and they shared 66 beautiful years together. He was a loving father to six children and a grandfather to many more. His hobbies included gardening, fishing and hunting. He worked as a custom home builder in Madison and surrounding counties for most of his long career, retiring eight months ago. He was a deacon for forty years at Thoroughfare Bible Church and a member at Mt. Carmel Church, both in Madison County.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Eleanor Landis Smith; daughters, Teresa Ann Smith McDonald (Richard), Linda Mae Smith Gilligan (Kevin), Katherine Elizabeth Smith Kelliher (Patrick), Mary Alice Smith Queen (Chris); sons, John Robert Smith (Rebecca), James Harold Smith (Natalie); brothers Lyle Smith, Kenneth Smith (Liz); sisters, Arlene Aylor (Wilmer) and Carole Milks; grandchildren, Margaret McDonald, Kathryn McDonald, Jennifer Melancon, Jordan Drake (Corre’), Jamie Briere (Logan), Brian Ford (Melissa), Tucker Ford, Bobby Ford (Alison), Michael Haynes (Beth), Kevin Haynes (Sierra), Kaylee Bagley, Kinley Bagley, Cameron Smith, and Alyssa Smith; great-grandchildren, Jaya Melancon, Tayton Melancon, Bently Briere, Oliver Briere, Tylar Ford, Ivy Ford, Ella Ford, Jackson Ford, Alex Haynes, Porter Haynes, Paige Watson, Paxton Watson and Carter Harlow, along with seven more step-grandchildren.
A funeral will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11 am at Preddy Funeral Home in Madison, Virginia. Burial will take place at Mt. Carmel Church in Haywood, Virginia, followed by a meal at Renback Barn in Madison, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Preddy Funeral Home in Madison, Virginia.