Robert David "Arch" Smith

Robert David “Arch” Smith, 83, of Fletcher, NC, entered his heavenly home surrounded by the love of his friends and family on December 16, 2023.

A proud native of Asheville, he was born in 1940 to Arthur and Frances Smith. Arch graduated from Western Carolina University in 1965 and began his career in sales for Taylor Instruments. In 1979 he took a leap of faith and opened his own business, Champion Sports. After a few years of running a business, he reentered the workforce in purchasing for Crown Cork & Seal. Arch retired in 2004 as Purchasing Manager for Steelcase Wood Furniture. He enjoyed his years of retirement playing golf, taking care of his yard, spending time with family, and being the best G-Daddy to his grandchildren, Grace Evelyn & Denver.

Arch is survived by the love of his life, Diana Smith; his children Monty Reagan (Danette), Denver, CO, Tony Reagan, Asheville, NC, and Amy Wamsley (Sean) of Fletcher, NC; and his grandchildren Grace Evelyn and Denver Wamsley. In addition to other family members, he is survived by his beloved cousins Joyce Towe of Wilmington, DE and Michael Sheldon of Morganton, NC.

Arch was preceded in death by his father Arthur Smith and his mother Frances Smith.

As a child Arch grew his faith at First Baptist Church of Asheville. As an adult he was a very active member of Arden First Baptist, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, in the choir, and in many other capacities. Arch has enjoyed the last several years at Biltmore Church.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, December 21, 2023 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Receiving of friends will be from 12:30-1:45 and the service will begin at 2:00. A live stream of the service can be accessed on this page, by opening the link with Arch’s picture just below the obituary text.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to support the mission trips his grandchildren are serving on this summer: Denver Wamsley and Grace Wamsley

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