Robert Gilchrist Smith

Robert Gilchrist Smith, 83, of Aiken, formerly of Bath and Woodsville, NH, died Monday, April 1, 2013, at University Hospital, Augusta, GA.

He was born in Haverhill, NH, Feb. 1, 1930, the son of Henry and Hazel Beattie Smith and graduated from Woodsville High School, Class of 1948.

Bob was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and made his Major League debut as a pitcher with the Red Sox on April 29, 1955. He later pitched for the Cardinals, Pirates and Tigers. Following his playing career, Bob worked as a purchasing manager for Georgia Pacific.

He married the former Anita R. Steinberg on July 16, 1985. For several years they lived in Texarkana, Ark., and later in retirement moved to Gulf Breeze, FL, and in 2000, to Aiken.

Survivors include his wife, Anita of Aiken; a sister, Constance Kenney of Marlborough, NH; nieces Judy Britton and Janet Buckbee and husband Frank, Marda Levy and Michelle Levy and husband Michael; nephews Harry Kenney Jr., Robert Kenney and Peter Kenney and wife Sarah, Stephen Levy and wife Liz, along with their families; and good friends Tom and Cristi Williams.

A memorial service will be held at 4pm on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at GEORGE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, 211 Park Ave. SW, Aiken. The family will receive friends immediately after the service, in the funeral home.

Memorial donations, in Bob's memory, may be directed to www.baseballalumni.com to assist in their mission of providing children a fun and positive introduction to baseball.