MIDDLEBURG, FL — 
Rev. R. D. Smith, Sr., husband of 67 years to Margaret Edna Leake Smith, was born on October 1, 1932 in Lonaconing, MD and departed this life on Friday, August 14, 2020 at the age of 87 in Middleburg, FL.
He was the son of the late Edgar Mortimer Smith, Sr. and the late Della Mae Clingerman Smith. Rev. Smith was preceded in death by two sisters; Loretta Smith and Ada V. Kifer; four brothers; Luther G. Smith, Edgar M. Smith, Jr., Kenneth Smith, and Lloyd Wayne “Red” Smith.
Rev. Smith began his career as a Jewel Tea Salesman in Lonaconing, Maryland. Knowing that God had called him into full-time ministry, he left Lonaconing with his wife and son and enrolled in Eastern Bible Institute, where he was a student for two years.
Pastor Smith spent 15 years in Petersburg, WV at Faith Assembly of God, where he erected a church and parsonage; 6 years in Wanchese, NC at Wanchese Assembly of God, where he founded the Wanchese Christian Academy; 14 years at Hancock Assembly of God, where he also engaged in a building program for a beautiful church facility and parsonage. He officially retired in 1994 from full-time pastoring. While in retirement, he spent four years at Greenridge Assembly of God, as their Interim Pastor, and also held revivals at neighboring churches in the tri-state area.
Pastor Smith is lovingly remembered by his wife, Margaret Smith, whom he married in Lonaconing, MD on December 6, 1952; his son, Robert D. Smith, Jr. (Amanda) of Middleburg, Florida; two grandchildren, Rebecca Merskin (Elliott) of Lakewood, Colorado and Robert D. Smith, III (Amy) of Lakeland, Florida; four beautiful great-grandchildren, Ella Smith, Emma Merskin, Asher Merskin, and Claire Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Leona Clark, of Lonaconing, MD, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A public visitation will be held Friday, August 21st from 9 AM to 7 PM at the Hancock Assembly of God.
A private commencement Service will be held Saturday, August 22nd at 10:30 AM at Hancock Assembly of God. The committal will be held at the end of the service. Interment will be at the Tonoloway Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.
Livestreaming will be available for everyone to view the commencement service.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Grove Funeral Home, in Hancock, MD.
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with local arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.TwifordFH.com.
