Robert Young Smith Jr.

Robert Young Smith Jr.

Elmira - Robert Young Smith Jr., a native of Elmira NY, passed away peacefully in his home in The Woodlands, Texas on February 16, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. He was 60 years old. Robert was predeceased by his father, Robert Young Smith, and survived by his mother, Mary Heller Smith of Elmira, his brother, Richard Heller Smith of New Sharon, Maine, sister in law - Amanda Dow Smith, niece Lydia L. Smith, nephew Peter Y. Smith and brother Charles Humphrey Smith of Shanghai, sister in law -Nancy K. Pon, and is survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Robert had a long and distinguished career as a tennis professional, coach and administrator. As a varsity tennis player at Elmira Free Academy, he led the team to a 4 year, 127-0 match record without a loss in dual match play - a US high school record. He then competed in NCAA tennis at Washington and Lee University. Rob was inducted into the Elmira New York Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements in tennis.

Rob served as a Vice President and Board Director of Peter Burwash International (the world's leading tennis management company) which saw him live and travel to over 70 countries including teaching/coaching positions in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, Pacific Oceania, and Asia. He was awarded the Professional of the decade by PBI. Robert was a member of the USTA (Lifetime member), the USPTA (Pro Level 1), Global Hoteliers Club, and a Council Member of the Hong Kong Tennis Association. A prolific global tennis coach who spoke numerous languages, Rob was passionate about tennis and taught people from all ages and all walks of life- from beginners to business executives, pro athletes, movie celebrities, government leaders to national teams and professional tour players. During Rob's career he taught some 50,000 people to play tennis around the world.

There will be a family grave site internment March 17th at Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira NY.