Bobby Smith

Bobby Dean Smith, 84, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 24, 2018. He always said he wanted to go to sleep and wake up in Heaven, and he did just that.

Bobby was born in Fisher County to LaRhue and Ernest Smith on October 7, 1933. He graduated from Rotan High School in 1951, where he met the love of his life, Joyce Ellen (Hargrove) Smith. He went on to wed her November 14, 1953. He was then drafted into the US Army in January of 1954, where he was a communications specialist stationed at Ft. Lewis in Washington state. He and Joyce were founding members of Parkland Baptist Church in Parkland, Washington where he was ordained as a deacon. After completing his time serving, Bobby and Joyce came home to Rotan and began to pursue one of the things he loved the most, farming. Bobby and Joyce went on to have three kids, Lee Scott Smith (1958- 2012), Charre Ann Smith, and Jana Beth (Smith) Morales.

In 1999, he was stricken with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Though never able to walk unaided again, he remained strong and was an inspiration to anyone who knew him. Bobby was a devoted member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Rotan. He loved singing and enjoyed doing so until the day he passed. He was an instant friend with anyone he encountered. Bobby loved all with a Christlike attitude and welcomed them with open arms and a smile on his face. One of Bobby's favorite things to do was tell stories. The more he told the same story the more interesting it became. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Bobby was met at Heaven's gate by his son, Lee Scott, and parents, LaRue and Ernest.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Smith; his daughters, Charre Smith and Jana Morales; grandchildren, William, Joshua, and Macy Morales; son-in law, Robert Morales; daughter-in-laws, Bebe Mireles and Barbara Smith; and step-grandchildren, Jason Forque, Corey, Toni, and Lindsey Collins; brother and sister-in-law, Alton and LaDoska Smith; sister-in-law, Carole Justiss; brother-in-law, Lee Mason; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 27, 2018, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at First Baptist Church, Rotan, Texas. The graveside service will be held at Belvieu Cemetery on Monday, May 28, 2018 at 9:30 AM with services following at First Baptist Church at 11:00 AM.

Visitation

First Baptist Church
201 N McKinley
Rotan, TX  79546
Sunday, May 27, 2018
6 to 8 PM

Service

First Baptist Church of Rotan
201 N. McKinley
Rotan, TX  79546
Monday, May 28, 2018
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Belvieu Cemetery
2 miles east of Rotan on hwy 92
Rotan, TX  79546