Robert Lee

Smith

Mr. Robert Lee Smith, age 56, a native of Meridian, MS, and a resident of Fruitdale, AL, was born May 6, 1958 to the parentage of Velma Jean Ruffin and the late Junior Ruffin. Mr. Smith departed this life March 11, 2015 at his home.

He was a loyal member of Faith Christian Land Center, State Line, MS. Although failing health prevented him from attending as faithfully as before, he never lost his faith in God.

He entered the United States Army May 18, 1976 and was honorably discharged March 23, 1979. Among his decorations and medals were Expert M-16 and Hand Grenade. He was employed as a logger.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Ruffin and Lewis Ruffin, and two sisters, Annette Ruffin and Dee Baskin.

He will forever be cherished in the hearts of his loving and devoted wife, Gwendolyn Bivens Smith of Fruitdale, AL; mother, Velma Jean Ruffin of State Line, MS; five sons; Marreo (Malissa) Bivens of Mobile, AL; Reese (Sylvia Ann) Walker of State Line, MS, Jeremy Bivens of Fruitdale, AL, and Rodriguez and Cortez Franks, both of State Line, MS, and; one daughter, Latasha (Duane) Morris of Birmingham, AL; four brothers, Nehemiah (Crancy) Ruffin, of State Line, MS, Lorenzo Ruffin of Waynesboro, MS, Darrell (Chaka) Ruffin of Hattiesburg, MS, and Willie James (Linda) Smith of Cuba, AL; five sisters, Betty Bivens, Elaine Ruffin and Sharon Ruffin, all of State Line, MS; Maudine Toole of Cube, AL, and Dianne Walker of Detroit, MI; seven grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing Tuesday, March 17, 9am until the 11am service at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 68 Rob McLendon Rd, State Line, Mississippi 39362, Minister Calvin Johnson, pastor; Apostle Maefalda Taylor, eulogist.

Services with sympathetic care and legendary professionalism entrusted to Andrews Funeral Home, 800 Depot Road, Jackson, AL. Condolences to the family at www.andrewsfuneralhomejackson.com and on Andrews Funeral Home Facebook page.