03/02/2026
Robert “Bob” Kitchner Smith Jr.
Robert “Bob” Kitchner Smith, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 at Providence Assisted Living in Senatobia, Mississippi.
Bob was born on October 16, 1931, in Knoxville, TN to Ethel Householder Smith and Robert Kitchner Smith, Sr. A gifted athlete, he played football, baseball, and basketball at Knoxville High School, graduating in 1950. He continued his football career at Jones County Junior College (1950–1952), where he had the honor of playing alongside All-American Jackie Parker. After earning his Associate of Arts degree, Bob returned to Knoxville and worked while attending the University of Tennessee, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education in December 1959.
He proudly served in the United States Army for two years, training men in physical fitness. Upon returning home, Bob taught history at West High School in Knoxville and coached baseball, basketball, and football—investing in the lives of young men both on and off the field.
On May 14, 1962, Bob married the love of his life, Carol Sharp. The two eloped to Georgia and began building their life together in Knoxville. Bob later worked as a traveling salesman for AC Delco, which led the family to Tampa, Florida, and eventually to Memphis, Tennessee.
In Memphis, Bob and Carol planted roots. Bob opened Bob Smith Auto Parts in Midtown Memphis, where Carol faithfully worked alongside him as accountant and CPA. At the height of his career, he owned two auto parts stores and two used car lots. He never met a stranger—or a car he couldn’t figure out. Known for his generosity, Bob sponsored local sports teams and faithfully served on church committees at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and later at Bakers Chapel United Methodist Church.
After 33 years, Bob retired from Bob Smith Auto Parts and happily took on a new role as Carol’s assistant—delivering documents and lending a helping hand to her clients. Up till two years ago you could find Bob working for daughter April at Faith Inspired Training. He was a devoted JCJC alumni and actively campaigned for his football teammates (1950-1952) to be inducted into the JCJC sports hall of fame.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol Sharp Smith, his parents, Robert Sr. and Ethel Smith; his brother, Arthur Andrew Smith; sister-in-law, Jessie Lawson Smith and Anne Upchurch; nephews Fred Reed and Steve Upchurch; and niece Patricia A.Smith.
He is survived by his daughters, Sarah Smith Bailey (Bryan); April Smith Carpenter (David); Ann Claire Smith; and Cynthia Lynn Smith; niece Susan Reed; nephew Stephen A. Smith; grandchildren James Robert Bailey; Andy Bailey (Stephanie); Nelson Meredith; Sophia Carpenter; Melody Torres (Felipe); Carter Wahlquist; Abigail Wahlquist; Elizabeth Wahlquist; and Trinity Coker; great-grandchildren Vallie Bailey; Harmony Wahlquist; Emiliano Torres; Ximena Torres; great-nephew Brent Smith and great great nephew Lyric Smith.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bakers Chapel United Methodist Church, 1965 Johnston Road, Hernando, Mississippi, with a graveside service to follow at 1:30 p.m. in the church cemetery.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff, LPNs, nurses, and doctors at Providence Assisted Living, as well as the compassionate team at Gentiva Hospice, for their loving care and support.
Bob’s legacy of faith, family, service, and friendship will live on in all who knew and loved him.
In remembrance of Bob, donations may be made to the Jones County Junior College Football Scholarship bearing his name.
For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in memory of Bob, donations may be mailed to:
Jones College Foundation900 South Court StreetEllisville, MS 39437
Online donations may also be made by visiting the Jones College Foundation giving page
https://www.jcjc.edu/alumni_foundation/giving-support/
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