Robert Nelson Smith, Sr.

Mr. Robert Nelson Smith, Sr., age 74, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, April 20, 2020 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.  The son of the late Leroy and Mildred Secrest Smith, Robert was born in Burke County, North Carolina on October 20, 1945.

During Sheriff Bobby R. Haynes administration, Robert oversaw the Criminal Investigation’s Division at the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department in Marion.  Known as having been a NASCAR follower and an avid fisherman, Robert ultimately retired from Internal Affairs Division with the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office.  He was a veteran of the United States Air Force.

He is survived by one son, Robert Nelson Smith, Jr.; one granddaughter, Chelsea Peyton Smith; one brother, Donald Smith; and one sister, Linda Smith.

At the request of Mr. Smith, no services will be held.