Mr. Robert Earl Smith

Funeral services for Mr. Robert Earl Smith, 79, of Rehobeth Community of Panola County, Texas will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Anderson and Rev. David Kennedy officiating. Burial will follow in the Rehobeth Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Wednesday night at Hawthorns. Mr. Robert Earl Smith was born March 11, 1946, in Henderson, Texas. He passed this life February 2, 2026, at his Rehobeth home. Robert was born to the marriage of Wilma Johnson and Floyd L. Smith. He was raised and schooled in Carthage graduating with the Bulldog class of 1964. He married his love Patsy Darlene Heflin on October 12, 1968, and they celebrated 57 years of marriage. Robert served his country through the U.S. Army stationed in Korea from 1964 - 1967 during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Smith worked for Bell Telephone as a repairman retiring after 31 years of service. Robert was a kind, funny, and deeply loved man whose greatest gift was his ability to connect with people through his stories. Known for his quick wit and humor Robert could make any room feel lighter simply by being in it. His stories, often hilarious, had a way of bringing people together. Whether recounting moments from his life, family history or everyday observations he made others feel at ease. Above all Robert was kind, he offered his time and showed up for others freely. His presence was steady and reassuring and his laughter was contagious. He believed that life was meant to be shared. He is preceded in death by his parents and a beloved grandson, Devin Smith. Mr. Smith is survived by his loving wife, Patsy Smith; children Kimberly Cardwell and husband Ernie, Jeffrey Smith and special friend, Beckie Smith; sisters, Trudy Gregory and husband Dr. Chet Gregory, Judy Freeman and husband James; grandchildren Callie Jo Jones and husband Cody, Jacob Rucker and wife Jamie, Emma Rudnik and husband Nate, Dustin Potter and wife Jenifer, Damian Potter and wife Halie, Cory Cardwell and Carly Oglesby and husband Jake; great grandchildren Carsyn Rae Jones, Camdyn Reese Jones, Nolan Rucker, Emmett Potter, Gunner Potter, Remi Potter and Jeffrey Potter; dear cousin, Marcia Poss and husband Lonnie; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Keith Nutt, Jimmy Woods, Cole Faulkner, Smokey Smith, Darren Preston, Patrick Williams, honorary pallbearers will be Terry Bailey, Billy Skelton, Manuel Rodriguez, James Moon, Brandt Brewster, Justin Barron, Larry Dodson, Dean Jeffress, Rocky Bradshaw, Randall Thames and George Foster. The family wishes to give special thanks to Heartsway Hospice, Amy Clinton, special caretaker Carson Preston Pride. Memorials may be made to Rehobeth Methodist Church or St. Judes in his memory.

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Mr. Robert Earl Smith

March 11, 1946 - February 2, 2026