Robert M. Smalley, 88, of South Salem, died Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Signature Health Care of Chillicothe. He was born on February 21, 1928 in Greenfield, the son of the late Wilby A. and Grace R. Parrett Smalley. On March 25, 1949 he married the former Maxine Holley, who survives.
Also surviving are three daughters; Marsha (Michael) Beery of Frankfort, Alice (Pedro) Urbiztondo of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Janet Smalley of Palmer, AK, six granddaughters; Angela Johnson, Jennifer Anderson, Rebeccah Urbiztondo, Natasha Soto, Anne Swentik, Grace Champion, five great grandsons; Justin and Robert James (RJ) Anderson, Ethan and Eli Johnson, William Fronimo, three great granddaughters; Evelyn and Norah Swentik and Sofia Soto and numerous nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by three older brothers; Richard, George, and David Smalley.
Robert attended Marshall University. He was a lifelong member of the former South Salem Presbyterian Church. He and his family owned and operated a dairy farm until 1968. He then went to work as a Registered Sanitarian for the Chillicothe City Health Department which later combined with the Ross County Health Department to become the Ross County General Health District. During this time he served as the acting Health Commissioner. He later served as a Registered Sanitarian for the Highland County Health Department.
Robert's family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Liberty Village Assisted Living, Signature Health Care, and Heartland Hospice for all the love and care that they have shared with him and his family.
In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated and no public services will be held. Burial of the cremains will be at the convenience of his family in South Salem Cemetery. The ANDERSON-EBRIGHT FUNERAL HOME of Greenfield is serving the family. Those wishing to sign Robert's online register book may do so at www.ebrightfuneralhome.com.