Bobby Ray Smith, 84, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2018, after suffering a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and 11 siblings. A private family burial will be held in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, Hartselle, Alabama.
Bobby was born in Decatur, Alabama. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1953, where he was an all-star athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He also played semi-pro baseball for the Decatur Indians after high school. His professional life began in the field of insurance management and moved into residential and commercial property development. His love of sports continued in officiating high school and college athletics. In 1964 he became an SEC Basketball Official and retired from the sport after 20 years of service.
His family was his first love, but his second love was golf. He played for many years with his standing group in Decatur and the last 20 years as a member of the Knights of Columbus Golf Group at Bacon Park, Savannah, Georgia.
He is survived by his children, Jennifer Smith (Lee Smith), Terry Smith, and Brett Smith.
Memorials in is his honor can be made to the National Stroke Association, 9707 East Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112.
