Bobby Lee Smith

Bobby Lee Smith, 86, of Macon, passed away in his sleep on Thursday, July 7th, 2022.  A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday July 16th, 2022 at Martha Bowman Memorial United Methodist Church, 500 Bass Road, Macon, Georgia 31210.

Mr. Smith was the son of the late Emmett and Nora Smith.  He was born in Roberta, Georgia on March 28th, 1936.  His family moved to Macon when he was a child and he graduated from Lanier High School. He then started his long and prolific business career and served honorably in the Georgia National Guard.  During his first thirty -seven years in business he owned and operated several car dealerships in Central Georgia.  They included Bob Lee Volkswagen Mazda, Bob Lee Lincoln Mercury, Regency Nissan, Bob Lee Hyundai and Northside Mazda Volvo. He served as a mentor to several young employees, many of whom later started successful businesses of their own or rose in the ranks of management in other organizations.

In 1991 he shifted his business activities to real estate development.  He developed many commercial and residential projects in the Central Georgia area Including Lake Pointe Plantation, South Pointe, North Pointe at Bolingbroke and the Glen Merry Neighborhood.   He also owned Hitichiti Simmental Ranch in Kathleen for several years where he raised cattle.  An avid traveler, he visited every continent on the globe except Antarctica.

At a young age, his talents as a vocalist were recognized and encouraged by his family.   He wrote, recorded and performed songs for over sixty years.  His works included songs in the rock, country, patriotic and gospel genres.  He especially enjoyed performing his patriotic song “ A tribute to the Greatest Generation”  at gatherings of World War II veterans and donated proceeds of the sale of  his gospel songs to worthy charities.  A lifelong Methodist, he was a member of Martha Bowman Church.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife Teresa, sons Bobby Smith, Jr. (Vicki) and Christopher Smith (Lyubena) and grandsons Alexander Smith and Stefan Smith,brother Barney  Smith and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Welborn Smith, E. Raymond Smith and Dozier Smith, sister Shelby Smith, son Mark Smith and granddaughter Adriana Smith.

The family wishes to thank all of the dedicated physicians, nurses and caregivers who provided comfort to Mr. Smith during his final illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Smith’s honor to Martha Bowman Memorial United Methodist Church, 500 Bass Road Macon, GA. 31210 or the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Road Greenville, SC 29605.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.

Martha Bowman United Methodist Church
500 Bass Road, Macon GA 31210
Tel: 1-478-477-1901
Web: https://marthabowman.org/

Shriners Hospital for Children
950 West Faris Road, Greenville SC 29605