Robert W. Smalley age 78 of Spring City, Tennessee died on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at his residence.

He was born on May 8, 1945 in Peru, Indiana to the late Carl Edward and Eva Faye Brunson Smalley. Robert was a graduate of Peru High School, and joined the U.S. Air Force serving in Vietnam. He worked for the Chrysler Corporation for 30 ½ years. Robert enjoyed fishing, hunting and working crossword puzzles. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. Robert was the founder and chief investigator of the Stump Hollow Investigating Team. He was of the Lutheran faith.

Robert was also preceded in death by his brother Dennis Smalley, his sister Sherry Clausing, and brother-in-law Gary Schulte.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years Linda Smalley of Spring City, Tennessee; sons Robert (Amy) Smalley of Columbus, Indiana, Brandon (Corinne Roland) Smalley of Peru, Indiana, and Shannon (Dawn) Smalley of Kokomo, Indiana; sisters Patricia Schulte of Spring City, Tennessee, and Linda (Gary) Sheneman of Peru, Indiana; brother Carl Edward (Jill) Smalley Jr. of Kokomo, Indiana; grandchildren Ashley (Phil) Shrader, Hayley and Gabriel Smalley, and Madison Smalley; great grandchildren Jayden, Kaylynn and Atticus Shrader; sister-in-law Kay Smalley; brother-in-law Ken Clausing; several nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Pastor Timothy Matthews officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Vaughn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Rhea County Animal Alliance at 9118 Back Valley Road, Evensville, TN 37332 or The Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is in charge of the arrangements of Robert W. Smalley and asks that friends and family share their words of comfort and memories on our website www.vaughn-funeral-home.com