Robert H. “Pete” Smith went to his forever home on October 5, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on December 28, 1936, in Amelia, Virginia, to Cleopas “Cleo” and Nanie Sue Smith.
He was the youngest of ten children and was an uncle before he was born. He was preceded in death by brothers, William “Bill”, Richard “Dick”, and Calvin; and sisters Marian Wingo, Elinor Easter, Olney Underwood, Cleora “Dink” Windsor, and Gaynelle Knox. He is survived by his sister, Mary Hellen Cooke of Newport News.
Pete lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track while attending Warwick High School. He graduated from Staunton Military Academy and was named Sportsman of the Year by his peers. After high school, he entered the United States Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base and worked as an aircraft hydraulic mechanic at the 21st Air Division S.A.C. at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas.
It was in Topeka that Pete met the love of his life, Florence, at a diner. He offered her a quarter for the jukebox, then showed up at her church the next day. They were married on his birthday, in a Las Vegas chapel in 1958- on a three-day pass- before he had to report to Turkey.
Pete worked at Parker Aircraft in Los Angeles, Convair Aircraft, and North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego.
In January 1967, Pete and Flo moved to Newport News, Virginia, to raise their three young daughters. His work continued at Fort Eustis as an aircraft mechanic, Quality Assurance Foreman, Specialist, and Officer. He retired on December 31, 2000.
A big part of Pete’s life was his officiation resume. As he often said, “I did get paid, but I never thought of it as a job. I loved it.”
From 1964 onward, he umpired fast-pitch softball in San Diego, then refereed football and basketball, and umpired softball and baseball games in Virginia. In 1969, Pete joined the Peninsula Football Association and worked with many officials who remained close friends for the rest of his life. He enjoyed calling high school games so much that he would referee youth basketball to stay in shape for football season.
His last season as a Back Judge was in 2005, when he missed only the state championship game after a quintuple heart bypass the day before.
Pete was a member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church, where he helped Flo set up communion, search all over for the loaves of Hawaiian bread, and fold bulletins every Friday until he couldn’t.
We would be remiss not to mention his love for food. Pete and Flo always made meals for loved ones and friends in times of need. Every Sunday, they cooked for the family, including grandchildren’s friends and college roommates.
Together, Pete and Flo had three daughters, all of whom were his “darlins.” He was a wonderful, gentle father who set a high expectation of the kind of man they should expect to find in their own lives. His sons-in-law all knew that they had big shoes to fill. Pete was always kind, fair, and ever-present in the lives of his girls and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.
Pete is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Florence; his three daughters, Lisa Lewis (Steve), Denise Rivera (Joe), and Marci Radecki (Ken); seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Pete’s life will be held on Saturday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church (CMUMC), 1024 Harpersville Road, Newport News. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CMUMC Rise Against Hunger or to your favorite charity.