Robert "Bob" Smith, 83, of Urbana, passed away at 4:35 p.m., Monday, March 10, 2014. A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2014 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. A funeral service will be held following the visitation at 2:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Pastor Eunjoo Lee, of the First United Methodist Church of Urbana, will officiate.

Mr. Smith was born July 2, 1930, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois to parents Adam and Etta (Rigg) Smith. He married Phyllis Tingley August 3, 1952 in Marshall, Illinois; she survives. Also surviving are daughters, Amy Crouch (Van), of Mahomet, Illinois, Lee Golden, of Urbana, Illinois, grandsons, Jason Mock (Angie), of St. Joseph, Illinois, Josh Mock (Amy), of Woodstock, Illinois, and five great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

After receiving degrees from Indiana State University and the University of Illinois, Bob worked as a Publications Editor for the U of I, where he worked for more than 20 years. During his time in grad school, Bob was the first announcer and continuity writer for WILL-TV, where he was also one of the first directors. He was also the first instructor to teach television announcing at UIUC. Bob also authored two chapters in a widely used textbook on advertising and marketing.

Bob was a member of the Society for Scholarly Publishing, Illinois News Broadcasters' Association, Champaign County Camera Club, Champaign County Torch Club, and the Urbana Exchange Club.

Mr. Smith proudly served in the United Sates Army, 6th Armored Division Band.

Memorial contributions may be made to WILL or an organization of the donor's choice. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.