Robert Eddie Smith was born March 27, 1949 in St. Louis, MO to Thomas Eddie Smith and Cody Burnett . Robert received his education through East St. Louis school district 189 and went to SWIC College. Robert later  confessed a hope in Christ in 1971.

Robert united in marriage to Dorothy Gladney in 1971. He later married Harietta Smith in 2002.

Robert departed this life on March 8, 2019 is survived by his children Robert Smith, Brandon Smith, and Joyce; Edwin Gladney (Robin), Larry (Cheryl) Smith, St. Louis, MO, Rodney (Meon) Smith ; a lot of grandchildren; brother Jessie (Kimberly) Smith, Cahokia, IL; and sister Ann Smith, Belleville, IL; cousins; his aunt Mabel Brown, Champaign, IL