A Cheeky Farewell: Remembering Robert Thomas Smiley
Ah, the inevitable arrival of obituaries—the only section of the newspaper where the headlines are delivered with a side of mourning and a sprinkle of humor. And today, we gather to delve into the life of one Robert Thomas Smiley, who, let’s just say, had a name that could account for half a dozen puns on the word “smile.” Yes, because who wouldn’t want to be remembered with a name like that? Bring on the chuckles and the tears, because this article aims to find that delicate balance!
Published in the Athens Review May 16, 1982
Funeral services for Robert Thomas Smiley, 75, will be held Monday at 11 p.m. in the West Funeral Home chapel in Desoto, Texas, with Tom West officiating.
Now, 11 p.m.? That’s an interesting time for a funeral, isn’t it? One could say Robert keeps his schedule as quirky as his name suggests. But not to worry, folks! If he’s watching from beyond the grave, I’m sure he’ll have a ghostly grin on his face as his family gathers to pay their respects—at a time usually reserved for late-night tacos and questionable television shows. A classic case of ‘going out with a bang!’ rather than a whimper, I reckon.
Burial will take place at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Davis Cemetery. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to be laid to rest in a location that sounds like a neighborhood hangout spot? “Hey, I’m just popping by Davis Cemetery to visit ol’ Robert.” It’s got a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
Mr. Smiley died Friday in the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Dallas following an extended illness. He lived in Hutchins but was originally from Athens, having lived here for many years.
Life is often described as a rollercoaster, and Robert clearly experienced his fair share—parking his posterior in the impressive Veterans Administration Medical Center. Let’s face it, if anyone had an entry that warranted a seasoned healthcare journey, it would be our man Robert, whose 75 years packed a lifetime’s worth of stories, trials, tribulations, and probably a couple of questionable fashion choices. But who among us doesn’t have a ‘what was I thinking?’ outfit lurking in the closet of life?
Survivors include his lovely wife, Rosie. Cue the romantic strings! You see, Robert didn’t just leave behind a laugh-inducing name; he also left behind a wife. I mean, let’s be honest, Rosie has probably spent the last few decades perfecting her eye-roll at his dad jokes, and yet, here we are, mourning the man who made ‘dad joke’ the highest form of comedy in their family.
Three sons: John Thomas Smiley from Center, Texas; Bobby Ray Smiley from Grand Prairie, Texas; and Harriel Wayne Smiley from Whittier, Texas. Two daughters: Vickie Moc from Buna, Texas; and Janie Kay Halbrooks from Beaumont, Texas. And let’s not forget the party of fifteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild!
That’s right, folks! Fifteen grandchildren! What a legacy to leave behind. Imagine the birthday parties! If only there was a Smiley family reunion, we’d need a stadium. Can you picture it? “Hey kids, gather around while we recount Grandpa’s infamous ‘Why did the chicken cross the road?’ joke for the 973rd time!” One can only hope that amidst the laughter, his spirit rides the winds of joy, reveling in the familial chaos.
And don’t forget his two brothers, Nolan and Doyle—not the most conventional names if you ask me. But hey, when you’re part of the Smiley clan, you can bet there were plenty of happy gatherings, with laughter echoing like a badly sung karaoke night.
So here’s to Robert Thomas Smiley—who lived a life exactly how he wanted (presumably pun-filled), surrounded by the love of his family. One can only hope, as we bid farewell, that his spirit has joined the heavenly comedy club, cracking jokes and bringing smiles to all those who’ve passed before him, earning the right to say, “What’s so funny?” as they gather in the great beyond.
And remember, dear readers, while we may mourn the passing of Robert, let us celebrate the joy he brought during his time with us, because if there’s one thing he would have wanted, it’s a punchline to his own grand exit!
Published in the Athens Review May 16, 1982
Funeral services for Robert Thomas Smiley, 75, will be held Monday at 11 p.m. in the West Funeral Home chapel in Desoto, Texas, with Tom West officiating.
Burial will take place at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Davis cemetery.
Mr. Smiley died Friday in the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Dallas following an extended illness.
He lived in Hutchins but was originally from Athens having lived here for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Rosie Smiley; three sons, John Thomas Smiley, Center, Texas, Bobby Ray Smiley, Grand Prairie, Texas and Harriel Wayne Smiley, Whittier, Texas; two daughters, Vickie Moc, Buna, Texas and Janie Kay Halbrooks, Beaumont, Texas; fifteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild and two brothers, Nolan Smiley, Denver and Doyle Smiley Palestine.
Published in the Athens Review May 16, 1982
Funeral services for Robert Thomas Smiley, 75, will be held Monday at 11 p.m. in the West Funeral Home chapel in Desoto, Texas, with Tom West officiating.
Burial will take place at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Davis cemetery.
Mr. Smiley died Friday in the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Dallas following an extended illness.
He lived in Hutchins but was originally from Athens having lived here for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Rosie Smiley; three sons, John Thomas Smiley, Center, Texas, Bobby Ray Smiley, Grand Prairie, Texas and Harriel Wayne Smiley, Whittier, Texas; two daughters, Vickie Moc, Buna, Texas and Janie Kay Halbrooks, Beaumont, Texas; fifteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild and two brothers, Nolan Smiley, Denver and Doyle Smiley Palestine.
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