Robert Melvin Smith, Sr., , 81, of Middlesex, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2008 at Wilson Memorial Hospital. He was the son of the late John and Nonni Finch Smith.

Services were held on Monday, May 26 at 12:30 p .m. from Stokes Chapel Baptist Church in Middlesex with the Rev. J. Randolph Barnes officiating. Interment was in Middlesex Community Memorial Gardens.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah, of the home; a son, Robert Melvin Smith, Jr., and wife, Tasha, of Katy, Texas; two daughters, Francene McLaurin, and husband, Dennis, of Wilson and Mary Ann Mitchell and husband, Anthony, of Rocky Mount; one brother, John Smith of Middlesex; three sisters, Merry Lucas and husband, Cornelius, of Washington, D.C., Virginia Bryant of Fayetteville and Ann Jones and husband Winston, of Waverly, VA; 11 grandchildren; seven great grandchidlren and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were by William Toney’s Funeral Home.