Michael Robert Smith

Published 3:10 pm Thursday, May 16, 2024

Michael Robert Smith, 42, of Cairo, GA passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at his residence. Robert fought a courageous battle with cancer for six years.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 15 , 2024, at Family Worship Center, 1760 US-84 West, Cairo, GA 39828, with Senior Pastor Johnny H. Moore officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 am.  Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Climax, GA with Hunter Robinson, Clay Cooper, Caleb Cooper, Eli Cooper Joseph Jones, Noah Cooper, and James Tashie serving as active pallbearers.

Robert was born December 28, 1981, at Bainbridge Memorial Hospital, the son of Mike and Jeanna Whitehead Smith. Robert grew up in the Black Jack community of Bainbridge.  He was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 2000, and earned a degree in Mortuary Science from Ogeechee Technical College.  Robert completed his National Board Exam and received his licenses for Funeral Director and Embalmer. Robert found his true calling in the funerals service profession as a talented embalmer. Robert started his funeral service career at the age of sixteen, working with his uncle Scott Whitehead. He had a passion for the care and welfare of others. He was a longtime employee of Ivey Funeral Home in Bainbridge, GA. and later working with Matthews Funeral Home, Albany, GA. Funeral Director In Charge at Hall & Hall Funeral Home, Leesburge, GA. Later working with Allen and Allen Funeral Home, Thomasville, GA. as his health permitted. These professional relationships created life long friendships.

Robert enjoyed learning, (especially World War II history) and his video games.  He was a member of Orion Lodge # 8 in Bainbridge, GA and the Hasan Shrine Temple. Robert loved his family and had a special bond with his mother.

Robert is survived by his wife, Gina Cooper Smith of Cairo, GA; his children, Kaden Smith, Isabella Collinsworth, Hunter Robinson (wife Kalen), Garrett Robinson (wife Hannah), and Ethan Collinsworth; his parents, Mike and Jeanna Whitehead Smith; his brother, Dr. Brandon A. Smith (wife Shelby); his Uncle Scott Whitehead (wife Edna); his maternal grandparents, Kim and Janice Whitehead; his niece, Isabella Smith; his nephew, Cooper Smith; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chris and Dianne Cooper; and his brother-in-law, Clay Cooper (wife Charisha). 

Our family would like to express our grateful appreciation to The Georgia Hospice Team. Their palliative care and kindness will never be forgotten.

Faith Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements (850.539.4300 or www.faithfuneralhome.com)