ARLINGTON, Texas – Robert Smith III, who served on the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association Board of Directors for years and as CBAA Chair from 1992-94, died Saturday, Oct. 3, at the age of 86.
 
He served in the United States Navy for nearly 35 years, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral. His naval career included numerous assignments across the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets. He held the role of chief of staff to the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet before retiring in 1996.
 
Robert earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University in 1961. His dedication to continuous learning led him to further studies at the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He also attended the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he completed junior- and senior-level command and staff courses.
 
Robert's professional life was marked by notable accomplishments in both military and civilian service. He worked for the Federal Reserve for 43 years. His civic service beyond the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association included the Pearl Harbor Memorial, the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, and the Houston World Affairs Council.
 
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