Robert Abernathy Smith, Jr.

Robert Abernathy Smith, Jr., 46, passed away on October 29, 2024, at his home in Franklin, TN.

Robert was born June 1, 1978, in Flowood, MS, to Robert (Bob) Abernathy Smith, Sr. and Jane Curlin Smith. Growing up, Robert lived in Jackson, MS, Columbus, OH, Richmond, VA, Flemington, NJ, and Atlanta, GA. His family moved to Brentwood, TN in 1992, and Robert graduated from Brentwood High School in 1996. He received his undergraduate degree in Recording Arts and Technology with a minor in Business from Middle Tennessee State University in 2001, where he met his future wife of twenty years, Danielle Meador Smith. Robert completed his Masters of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi in 2003.

Robert started his insurance career at Liberty Mutual and later worked at Zander Insurance using his extensive knowledge in the commercial insurance industry. Robert suffered a stroke in May, 2021 and fought hard to strengthen his body and recover.

He enjoyed sports, particularly Ole Miss sports, playing golf, and hunting with his dad and brother.  His excellent cooking and grilling skills always kept his family and friends happy. Robert loved traveling, listening to music at full volume, reading, and talking about history.

Most importantly, Robert loved his family and adored his children, Reagan and Duncan. He made it a priority to attend their school, sports, and community activities, cherishing every moment he spent with them. He loved being their father and his pride in them was evident to everyone. Known for his great sense of humor, Robert enjoyed meeting and connecting with people. He was the life of any room he entered, making everyone feel welcomed and valued.

Robert is survived by his wife, Danielle Meador Smith, his daughter Reagan Elizabeth Smith (12), son Duncan Abernathy Smith (11) of Franklin, TN; parents Robert (Bob) Abernathy Smith, Sr., and Jane Curlin Smith of Brentwood, TN; sister Kristine Smith of Las Vegas, NV; brother Peter Smith (Betsy) of Franklin, TN. He is also survived by his niece Mia Curd (Greg) of Mt. Juliet, TN; nephew Hunt Smith, nieces Olivia and Sadie Smith; great-nephew Wyatt Curd; father and mother in-law Danny Kay Meador, Sr. and Kathleen Duncan Meador of Smyrna, TN; brother in-law Danny Kay Meador, Jr. (Haylee) of College Grove, TN; nieces McKinley and Olivia Meador and nephew Jack Meador. Robert will be dearly missed by many and will remain a cherished part of their lives and memories.

Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. and a Celebration of Life service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 at Brentwood United Methodist Church, Brentwood, TN. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or the Gary Sinise Foundation (garysinisefoundation.org).

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.