Robert L. Smith, 67, Defiance, passed away Friday, November 14, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born in Logan, West Virginia on September 23, 1947, he was the son of Henry and Belvia (Sansom) Smith. After graduating from Logan High School in 1965, Bob moved to the Defiance area in search of work. Shortly thereafter he was hired at General Motors where he worked as a millwright for more than 35 years and was affectionately known by many of his coworkers and friends as "Bad Eye".

On May 25, 1974 Bob married Deb Vogelsong, and the two celebrated 40 years of marriage last summer in Biloxi, Mississippi with their family. Bob had a passion for sports - especially football. Coach Smith co-founded the Little League football program for Northeastern Local Schools (Tinora), where he was a head coach for 13 years. He also coached baseball, basketball and high school football. Bob was the epitome of a family man who also enjoyed Ohio State football, spending summers around his pool, and trips to the Outer Banks.

He will be greatly missed by his loving and devoted wife Deb; and sons Scott (Sandy) Smith of West Unity, Chad Smith of Lakeland, Florida, Jamie (Melinda) Smith of Defiance, Jeff (Staci) Smith of Napoleon; daughter Jodie (Chris) McInnes of Wadsworth; brothers Bill (Cordella) Smith of Sherwood, Bennie (Melvina) Smith of Defiance; sister Brenda (Pete) Bova of Leesburg, Florida; mother Belvia Smith of Defiance; eleven grandchildren Ashley (Adam) Parrott, Rachel (Zach) Handy, and Levi Smith, Zachary Smith, Collin, Owen, and Gavin McInnes, Avery and Taylor Smith, and Sydney and Mia Smith; and three great grandchildren Kane and Reid Parrott and Lucas Handy; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Bob was preceded in death by his father.

Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 with a memorial service beginning at 11a.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home 529 Jefferson Avenue, Defiance with Rev. Joe Payne officiating. Following the memorial burial will be graveside at Evansport Cemetary.

The family suggests memorials to Tinora's Little League Program or Hospice (Community Health Professionals) of Defiance County. Condolences may be left at www.schafferfh.com