Robert (Bob) "Smitty" Smith was born on April 13, 1937 to Beatrice and Archie Smith. He was raised in the Millington, MI area along with his older brother, Louis. His parents parted when he graduated from high school, and he had a close relationship with is step-father, Erwin Stiles. After leaving school, Smitty joined the armed services, serving for a short time in the Marines. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he returned to the states with a fellow soldier, settling in the Northern Illinois area. It was here that he met Carol Duncan, and their union produced sons, Morrie, Scott, Jerry and Shane. He and Carol later divorced and some time afterwards he married Ida Shields, settling in the community of Sycamore. After that relationship dissolved, he met Kym Audia, with whom he shared the last three decades together.
Smitty was an avid motorcycle rider, and never met a stranger. If the subject was bikes, the conversation could last for hours on end! He owned Elburn Sport Cycle, and had an immense collection of motorcycles, parts and toys. He began racing bikes (short-track, dirt, ice, etc.) in the 1960's and continued for the next 50 years, becoming the National Senior Circuit Champion just before he turned 80 years old. He was a frequent participant at Bob-Jo Speedway and met many life-long friends through that connection. He rode throughout the United States , often with other buddies to share the adventure. He never went past a motorcycle shop without stopping in to see the inventory, or barter for a deal. He loved a good bargain!
Smitty also worked with heavy equipment as a member of the Operating Engineers Local 150, and was part of the team that laid the original I-88 expressway. He was a graduate of the Waubonsee Community College, where he attended classes while working and raising a family in the 1970's, along with owning a business. All the while he stayed in touch with friends and family, making annual trips to Michigan to see his relatives. Later in life, he never missed a meeting of "The Liar's Club", when guys in the Sycamore area would gather at Hardees, McDonalds or Burger King to start the day out right. Many pranks and laughs were shared with those gentlemen!
Smitty was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, brother Louis, son Scott, step-daughter Julie Audia, grandson Justin Smith and grandson Jordan Audia-Favela.
He is survived by his wife, Kym, past wives Carol and Ida, sons Morrie (Shelley), Jerry (Betty), and Shane (Misty) and step -daughter Lorie (Iram) Audia-Favela. In addition, he leaves many grandchildren: Rachel (John) Rohn, Jessica (Jarred) Sampson, Brittany Smith, Chance (Lindsey) Smith, Caleen (Colton) Jones, Maggie (Adam) Wiesbrook, Patricia (Ryan) Reed, Christian Smith, Jacob (Sara) and Matt Weber and Sebastian and Sofia Audia-Fevela. His numerous great grandchildren include Gavin, Kaylin, Kendal, Zoe, Joel, Evan, Brianna, Canelo, Ryan, Jade and Brystol. His legacy lives on......
His visitation will be on Monday, Feb. 27th from 4:00-7:30 PM at the Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore. A time to share memories will be at 7:30 PM. Burial will be private.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established for Smitty for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (
stjude.org
) in care of the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. 60178.
