Bobby R. Smith

Bobby R. Smith, 80, of Donalds, husband of Judy Owen Smith, died Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Self Regional Health Care in Greenwood. He was born in Abbeville County to the late Roy B. and Gertrude Smith. Mr. Smith was a 1955 graduate of Dixie High School. He received his B.A. degree from Erskine College in 1959 and his Master's Degree from Western University in 1971. Mr. Smith began his 35 years of teaching and coaching career in 1960 at Tamassee DAR School and Tamassee-Salem High School where he is affectionately remembered as 'Coach'. Mr. Smith then returned to Abbeville County where he taught at Wright Middle School and retired in 1995 as Principal of Donalds Elementary. He served in the S.C. Army National Guard where he retired with the rank of Sergeant after 29 years with the 263 Sig Co. Mr. Smith was a member of the Due West Baptist Church, Foothills Beagles Club, Rabbits Unlimited in Antreville and the Abbeville County Cattleman's Association. An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Smith worked with the Greenwood Farmers Market where he was known as the 'Produce Man' for more than 20 years and received the 2008 Grower of the Year Award. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Ronnie Erwin. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of the home; a son, Joe Smith and his wife Kelly of Honea Path; two daughters, Suzanne Nickles and her husband William of Hodges and Angie Wilson and her husband Nelson of Abbeville; a brother, Jack Smith and his wife Doris of Donalds; two sisters, Gloria Tumblin and her husband Jack of Ware Shoals and Donna Erwin of Abbeville; a granddaughter, Allanta Reeves and a great-granddaughter, Emma Grace Reeves both of Myrtle Beach, SC; a special student and lifetime friend, Randy Talley. The family will receive friends from 1:00PM – 2:00PM Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Harris Funeral Home –Abbeville Chapel. Funeral services will begin on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 2:30PM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. James Bannister and Rev. Billy Slatten officiating. Burial will follow in the Due West Baptist Church Cemetery. The family is at the home. Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Smith may be sent to the Due West Baptist Church, PO Box 248, Due West, SC 29639 or to a charity of one's choice. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES is assisting the Smith family.