Robert J. Smith
Mr. Robert Joseph “Bob” Smith, age 75, of Winchester, VA, died Friday, June 7, 2013, at Blue Ridge Hospice Residential Center. Bob was born in 1937 in Adams County, PA, the son of the late Clyde A. and Grace Smith. He was President of Winchester Rendering Company and Valley Protein from 1968 to 1977 and he retired in 1980 with 28 years of service.
Mr. Smith was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where he served on the property committee, during this time he enjoyed mowing and grounds keeping.
He was an active member of the National Tractor Pullers Association for 30 years. During this time he won 5 National Championships in the four wheel drive class and was inducted into the NTPA Hall of Fame in 2008.
He married Sara Yeakley on July 15, 1961, in Winchester, VA.
Surviving with his wife is a son, Robert Scott Smith of Winchester, VA, sisters, Vivian S. Royston and Loretta S. Minghini, both of Winchester, VA, and Myrna S. Grove of Martinsburg, WV; a brother, Leo J. Smith of Stephens City, VA, and a number of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Gerald F. “Jerry” Smith and Wayne P. Smith, preceded him in death.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Bethel Lutheran Church with Reverend Dr. David Young and Reverend Heidi David-Young officiating. Interment will be private.
Contributions to honor the memory of Mr. Smith may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church 2077 North Frederick Pike, Winchester, VA 22603, directed to debt reduction or to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601.