Col Robert Jackson Smith

Col Robert “Bob” Jackson Smith Sr., 81 of Saint Cloud, FL passed away on April 9, 2025, in Celebration Florida. Bob was born on April 12, 1943, in Belzoni Mississippi to Dr. James Robert and Anne (Bagwell) Jackson. Bob lost his father, James, at the age of two. A few years later Ann married William Smith. Upon graduating from Wofford College in 1965, he married Cheryl Wade Callis on August 29, 1965. The two were married for 59 years and had three beautiful children together; Robert Jackson Jr, William Wade, and Annesly Virgina. Col Smith had a distinguished 28-year career with the United States Air Force. The Air Force took him to many places around the world from the Pentagon in Washington DC, Okinawa, Japan and a tour in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He served as an Electronic Warfare Officer (where he finished first in his class), then flew in B52 bombers for two years until he transitioned into the RF4-C reconnaissance jet. During his career, he served as the base commander at the Avon Park Bombing Range and then became the Deputy Base Commander at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida and later served as the Base Commander at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. After he retired from the United States Air Force, he continued to serve by starting the ROTC program at Sebring High School. He was the instructor of that program for many years until his second retirement.

Bob was proceeded in passing by his parents Dr. James Robert Jackson, Anne Jackson Smith; Stepfather, William Smith and sister Dianne Smith Stebbins. He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl C Smith, Sons; Rob (Julie) Smith, Wade (Tina) Smith, and daughter; Annesly (Ray) Sibbitt. He is also survived by his grandchildren Tyler (Chelsea), Bradley (Shauna), Jenna (Jack), Taylor, Jackson, Jacob, Ireland, Aleigh and Great Granddaughter Eloise. Bob is also survived by his two nephews Scott Stebbins and Craig Stebbins.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11am at the Winter Park Community Center in Oak Room C. 721 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789