Robert Gene Smith

Robert "Bob" Gene Smith, 68, of Leland, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 6, 2019.  He was born December 2, 1950 to the late Orda H. and Virginia A. (MacFatridge) Smith in Delaware County, IN. He grew up in Parker City, IN, graduating as valedictorian from Monroe Central High School, where he played basketball, ran track and played trumpet in the band. He was a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, later serving as a Scout leader.  He attended Indiana University and Ball State University. Bob served with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department for 20 years as both a Reserve Deputy and EMT.  He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Parker City Fire Department.  He started work at a young age in his father’s grocery store in Muncie. His career then led him into the trucking industry, where he was given the nickname "Smitty", from Stoops Express to Burlington Motors to Hi-Cube Express. In 1997, Bob was an important part in starting a new trucking company called Magnum Express.  Smitty wore many hats during those early days from dispatcher, operations, safety, training, and in times when they were over booked with freight he would get behind the wheel. As the company grew he became the safety manager and built an outstanding Safety and Risk Management program that even impressed the DOT auditors. In 2018, after 20 years he retired from Magnum as the longest full-time employee but stayed on as a consultant.

Bob was active in the Masons, The Order of Eastern Star and his church. He enjoyed reading, traveling and especially riding his motorcycle. Later in life his favorite hobby was his grandkids.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cynthia Ferrell Smith; a son, Jonathan (Samantha) Smith; a daughter, Kristina (Edwin) Morales; a brother, Larry Smith; grandchildren, Eric, Izaac, Gabriel and Jasmine Morales, Alexis and Madyson Babb; and three nieces; Toni, Staci, and Shelli.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 10, 2019  from 11:00 am until service time of 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church Plainfield, 1012 Stafford Road, Plainfield, IN.  A graveside committal service will be on Monday, August 12, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Elm Ridge Cemetery, Muncie, IN. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice in "Memory of Robert Smith" https://lcfhospicefoundation3233.thankyou4caring.org/ 

Arrangements by Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.