Sad News

Dear Harding Family,

We are sad to share the news of the death of our good friend, Rob Smith. Rob served as a member of the board of trustees at Harding Academy from 2005 through 2011 and was the parent of two Harding graduates, Eleanor ‘12 and Addison ‘13.

During Rob’s tenure on the Harding board, he was a member of the Head of School Search Committee and served as the Head of the Finance Committee. Rob’s calm, kind and confident leadership were guiding factors in Harding successfully building the long awaited athletic fields on Highway 70 and the new middle school. Rob also championed diversity and was a strong voice in the school’s strategic growth of financial aid. A compassionate and thoughtful leader, Rob had the ability to see everyone’s side in a discussion and make decisions in the best interest of Harding.

As the father of children who excelled on the stage and on the field, Rob was a fixture at both theater and athletic events. Rob’s charismatic smile and enthusiastic cheers encouraged Eleanor and Addison, as well as every other Harding student who performed and played alongside them.

Former Head of School, Ian Craig, said of him, “Rob was the most significant leader in driving the finances for the school during a time period that reflects the largest expansion in Harding Academy’s history. The fields, the middle school, and everything that came with that building project are due to Rob’s strategic financial mind and love of Harding. He is an incredibly important and appreciated part of Harding’s legacy.”

Our utmost appreciation and deepest sympathies are with the Smith family. Information on services to celebrate Rob’s life is below:

Visitation and Service:

Thursday, March 29, 2018

11:30 to 1:00 PM - Visitation

1:00 PM - Service

St. George’s Episcopal Church