Bobby Wayne Smith, age 70, passed away at his residence in Lawrenceburg, TN on Tuesday, September 4, 2012.
Bobby enjoyed many pleasures throughout his life and career, with his greatest pleasure being time spent with his family. He was especially proud of the five grandchildren with which he was blessed. He loved opening his home to his family, many friends, and business associates for fellowship gatherings and overnight stays.
Bobby had a very generous spirit and was an active financial supporter of various charitable agencies, including the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of Leoma Baptist Church and lived his daily life with a steadfast faith in God. He was a founding member of Highland Park Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg and an ordained deacon.
Bobby began his professional career in the restaurant business with the Depot Street Café and later Parkway Drive-in at the entrance to the David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg. Later with his two sons, Joey and Kenny, Bobby built Bob’s Surplus Sales into a national seller of gifts, hardware, and novelty merchandise. As his sons assumed greater responsibility in the business, Bobby spent more time playing golf with his many friends.
He was a history enthusiast and an avid collector and dealer of antique firearms. Bobby’s fervent enthusiasm for collecting antique firearms earned him the distinction of being an honored member of the Texas Gun Collectors Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin Glenn Smith and Stella Houser Smith McDougal and one grandchild, Reagan Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Kaye Hill Smith, Lawrenceburg, TN; two sons, Joey (Lisa) Smith, Franklin, TN; Kenny (Kim) Smith, Lawrenceburg, TN; step-son, John H. Ferguson, Lawrenceburg, TN; step-daughter, Janene Messer, Lawrenceburg, TN; sister, Brenda (Ben) Baker, Florence, AL; half-brother, Rickey Glenn Smith, Summertown, TN; five grandchildren, Casey Smith, Colton Smith, Brandon Smith, Madison Smith, and Hudson Smith.
