R B Smith

Robert Bruce “R.B.” Smith, Jr., 76, of Lexington died suddenly on December 11, 2014. A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Lexington, at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 15, conducted by the Revs. Bonnie Duckworth and Dr. Lee Jessup followed by an inurnment at the church columbarium. A reception will be held after the service in the church undercroft. The family will see friends at Davidson Funeral Home on Sunday, December 14 from 3:00 until 5:00 pm. R.B. was born on October 16, 1938 in Lexington to Eleanor Farmer Smith and Robert Bruce Smith, Sr. He graduated from Lexington Senior High School in 1956, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1960, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law in 1964. He was a practicing attorney in Lexington for over 50 years. During that time he served as the City Attorney for Lexington for 32 years, and also served as the City Attorney for East Spencer. He was active in the North Carolina State Bar, serving as North Carolina State Bar Counselor from 1985 to 1993 and serving on its Disciplinary Hearing Commission from 1991 to 1999. Over the years he enjoyed his friendships with attorneys from all across the state. At the time of his death he was Of Counsel to the law firm of Brinkley Walser, PLLC, and until the time of his death he continued to mentor younger attorneys within the firm. R.B. was a strong role model for young attorneys and was known for his loyalty, caring, and compassion for his clients and honesty with clients, members of the bar, and judges. To R.B. his word was his bond. R.B. gave back to his community in many ways such as serving on the boards of the J. Smith Young YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Lexington Medical Center (serving two terms as its Chairman), Salvation Army, Jaycees, and Kiwanis. He also served on the Vestry at Grace Episcopal Church and served as Senior Warden. He set up five scholarships with his brothers at Davidson County Community College. He was a regular supporter of Community in Schools, Hospice, Project Potential, Habitat, Family Services, Special Olympics, Medical Ministries, Diabetes Association, Lexington Housing CDC, Davidson County Community College, and the J. Smith Young YMCA. R.B. served 35 years on the board of directors of Lexington State Bank (now NewBridge Bank), served as Chairman of the Democratic Party for four years, helped start the Lexington Education Association and obtained its tax free status. He also set up scholarships for Boy Schools of America in honor of his old scout leader Mel Young. R.B. was an Eagle Scout as a youth and valued highly his scouting experience. R.B. played football for Lexington High School and was selected to the Shrine Bowl team and continued playing football for Jim Tatum at UNC. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking. He also enjoyed competitive sports such as tennis, handball, and golf throughout his life. He loved spending time celebrating Christmas, New Years, holidays, and birthdays with family and friends at Ocean Isle Beach, Crystal Mountain and anywhere else friends and family gathered. His infectious laugh and fun loving nature will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Nancy Williams Smith, and infant son Brandon. He is survived by his wife of forty-six years Martha Ellen Smith of Lexington; son Robert Bruce Smith, III and wife Nicole of Charlotte; daughter Amy Smith Klass and husband Todd of Greensboro; daughter Shelley Smith Rice and husband Brad of Raleigh; granddaughters Taylor, Cameron and Allie Klass of Greensboro; grandsons Walker and William Rice of Raleigh; brothers Jerry Smith and wife Aurelia, Dan Smith and wife Sarah, and Steve Smith and wife Charlotte; in-laws Mary and Jay Williams of Lexington and Thompson and Kristie Miller of Denton. R.B. is an example of a life well lived. Memorials may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church Scholarship Fund, 419 S. Main St., Lexington NC 27292 or the charity of your choice.