Bob Smith

Robert Wallace “Bob” / “R.W.” Smith,  85, of Covington, passed away on September 13^th. Born to Marie Elizabeth and Herbert C. Smith in 1938, he grew up in Memphis and attended Whitehaven High School. He had a long career as a deputy sheriff in Shelby County, retiring with the rank of Inspector. After retirement, he and his wife Barbara moved to Covington. A Christian, he was a member of Garland United Methodist Church in Garland, Tennessee for many years.

He enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, and photography, and he took his family on many adventurous camping and sightseeing trips. He had a soft spot for animals, leading to the family taking care of numerous local strays in addition to the family pets.  He was interested in history and genealogy, and loved old-time country, bluegrass, and rockabilly music. He was also a fan of both detective shows and Westerns.

He will be greatly missed and remembered as an admired and respected law enforcement officer, community-minded citizen, helpful neighbor, loyal friend, and loving father and husband.

He was predeceased by brothers, Herbert, Frank, William, and Miles Smith; sister, Clara Gorman; and daughter, Sarah Katherine Huddleston.  He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 58 years; son Robert Smith, Jr.; daughter Jennifer Smith; son-in-law David Huddleston; granddaughter Sasha Carpenter (Michael); brother John E. Smith; nephew Gary Smith; and nieces Patsy Roberts, Micki Johnson, Linda Headley, Donna Hilton, Margaret Morrison, Toni Mahaffey, and Jamie Smith.

Funeral services will be held at  2 p.m. on Saturday, September 16 at the Covington Funeral Home chapel with interment to follow in Magnolia Gardens Cemetery.  The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the charity of donor's choice.