Min. Robert J. D. Smith

In Loving Memory of Robert Julius Dale Smith

Robert Julius Dale Smith was born on December 5, 1960, at Mercy Hospital in Denver, Colorado. He was the son of Leon David Smith Jr. and Merciel Lorraine Smith. Robert grew up in Denver with his brother, Darrell Lamont Smith, and his sisters, Merciel Denise Smith and Michelle Danette Smith.

As a child, Robert was very athletic and enjoyed participating in basketball, football, and track and field. He was educated in Denver Public Schools, attending Wyatt and Park Hill Elementary Schools, Smiley and Gove Middle Schools, and George Washington High School.

Robert dedicated more than 40 years of his life to the culinary arts. He worked in various restaurants throughout Denver, including Writer’s Manor, and spent more than 25 years at Rose Medical Center. Through his work, Robert shared his culinary talents, dedication, and care with many people.

In 1982, Robert married Shelly Smith, and from their union came two children, Tamara and DeAunte Smith.

On June 25, 2001, Robert married his loving wife and best friend, Sarita Smith. Together, they shared 25 years of marriage and welcomed two children, Sabrina and Joshua Smith. Robert and Sarita enjoyed traveling together and created cherished memories during trips to Puerto Rico, Puerto Vallarta, Florida, and California.

Robert’s true calling was serving in the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After being baptized by Pastor Harold Hicks of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Robert received his call to preach the Gospel. He served at Heritage Christian Center, House of Joy Miracle and Deliverance Ministries, Zion Temple, Greater Union Baptist Church, and as an associate pastor at House of Hope Ministries.

Robert also had a heart for serving his community. He preached at various shelters and prisons throughout the city, offering encouragement, hope, and spiritual guidance to those in need.

Robert will be remembered for his athletic spirit, dedication to the culinary arts, commitment to the ministry, love of travel, and devotion to his family and community. His life of service and faith will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

Robert was preceded in death by his sisters, Merciel Denise Smith and Michelle Danette Smith; his father, Leon David Smith Jr.; his former wife, Shelly Smith; and his grandmother, Merciel Mary Morgan.

Robert departed this life peacefully at his home on August 13, 2026

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and best friend, Sarita Smith; his children, Tamara Thomas, DeAunte Smith, Sabrina Smith, and Joshua Smith; his grandchildren, Chalaya Davis, Tyree Thomas, Tyrell Thomas, Charelle Thomas, Chanyah Thomas, and Sevyn Fowler; his great-grandchildren, Jia Davis and Rashawn Ismel Davis Jr.; his brother, Darrell Lamont Smith and his wife, Tracey; his mother, Merciel Lorraine Smith; and a host of family members, friends, church members, and loved ones.