Robert George Smith, Jr.

Robert George Smith, Jr. was born in Ely, MN on Sunday, April 5, 1942 to Eunice Jane Coombe and Robert George Smith Sr. He was preceded in death by brother, James Alfred Smith, and daughter Lori Frances Smith­Lucero. He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances of 58 years; daughter, Debra and husband Claude of Waldorf, MD; son-in-law, Gene Lucero of Albuquerque; nephew, Shawn and wife Michelle Fredrickson of Florence, AZ; three grandchildren, Krystal, Britney and Robbie; 8 great grandchildren , Walter, Emerald, Sapphire, Hailey, Savannah, Cheyanne, Xavier and Karter all of Maryland.

Robert joined the Air Force Monday, August 15, 1960, and retired Friday, October 31, 1986 with 26 years. He trained first as an aircraft mechanic on C-124s and was stationed at Hill AFB, Utah. 1966 to 1967 he served a year in Vietnam. In 1968 he cross trained into Flight Engineer field and flew C121s patrolling the west coast stationed at McClellan AFB, CA. 1970 to 1973 he was an instructor at Sheppard AFB, TX. 1973 he was transferred to McGuire AFB where he flew C141s. 1976 he transferred to Andrews AFB, MD as a Flight Engineer on VC135s as Presidential Support, flying the Vice President and cabinet members around the world.

The motto "Join the Air Force, see the World" was truly true for him. He had been to most of Europe, South America, Scandinavian and Down Under countries, South East Asia, Russia, Red China, Hawaii, Iceland, and the USA.

He had flown Walter Mondale, George Bush Sr, Governors of Washington State, and Alaska, Jerry Ford, Hamilton Jordan, Jimmy Carter's son and Mohammed Ali.

Robert saw the atomic tests in Nevada, the landing of the Space Shuttle in New Mexico. He was involved with the baby lift in Vietnam, POWs, and MIAs after Vietnam War.

Rode camels in Egypt, visited churches and Museums the world over.

In 1989, he and his wife moved to Albuquerque where he worked for the US Postal Service for 15 years as a mechanic. He also worked part-time for Kindred Hospital as a security guard. In 2005 he retired.

He and his wife were active Square Dancers, RVers for several years and are members of St Stephens Methodist Church.

Burial will be later due to the Covid-19 in Santa Fe National Cemetery.