Robert "R.W." Wayne Smith

ROBERT WAYNE SMITH, of Yulee, Florida, passed away at the age of 73 after a courageous five-month battle with pancreatic cancer.  Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Wayne was the son of the late Aldine and Helen (Spaliatsos) Smith.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend—known for his steady presence, quiet strength, and deep love for his family.

A 1970 graduate of Andrew Jackson High School, it was there that Wayne met the love of his life, Dolores Osborne, in the ninth grade.  After graduation, Wayne and Dolores married and built a life together grounded in love and sacrifice.  They were blessed with two children, Cindy and Robert, and celebrated 54 years of marriage this past December.  Received into the Catholic Church as a teenager, Wayne was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where he sent his children to school and volunteered for many years. 

Wayne dedicated his career to service, retiring as a captain from the fire department at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.  While serving as a firefighter, he also earned his Associate of Arts degree—an inspiring testament to his commitment and determination to personal growth.  Earlier in life, he worked at Robert Hall Men’s Clothing, Swisher’s King Edward Cigars, and Anchor Hocking Glass.  In addition to his firefighting career, Wayne served honorably in the U.S. Naval Air Force Reserve for 14 years, dedicating himself to the defense and support of his country.

As an Andrew Jackson alumnus, Wayne served on reunion committees and stayed in touch with his fellow classmates through monthly dinners and events.  Wayne’s favorite past times were fishing, shark tooth hunting, metal-detecting, baking cakes for his family, and supporting his children and grandchildren in all their activities.  Truly, Wayne found his greatest joy delighting in his children and grandchildren.  Known affectionately as “Pa,” he was not only a grandfather to his own, but became “Pa” to many others, always making those around him feel like family.

Wayne was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Moody and Sandra Hardrick, and his brother, Alex Smith.  He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores Smith; daughter, Cindy (Robert) Kaneer and their children, Bobby (Sarah) Kaneer and Caitie (Jessica) Kaneer; son, Rob (Sophia) Spaliatsos and their children, Eleni, Julia, Agape, Amalia, Andreas; his sister, Joan (Tony) Westberry; his great-aunt, Bobbi Paul; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.  He recently welcomed his first great-grandchild, Lucas (son of Caitie and Jessica Kaneer), and was joyfully anticipating the birth of a second great-grandchild (child of Bobby and Sarah Kaneer) in May.

A Vigil and Viewing will be held at Green Pine Funeral Home in Yulee on Sunday, April 27 at 4:00 p.m.  A Catholic Funeral Mass will follow on Monday, April 28 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville, with interment immediately following at Green Pine Cemetery.