James "Bobby" R. Smith

James R. "Bobby" Smith died Thursday, October 11, 2012. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Hart's at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road. The Reverend Joe McDaniel will officiate. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Musella Baptist Church, P. O. Box 56, Musella, Georgia 31066.

Mr. Smith attended Mabel White Baptist Church and Musella Baptist Church. He was a die-hard University of Georgia fan. A former baseball and basketball coach, he played against the Harlem Globetrotters in an exhibition match in Macon. Mr. Smith founded Confederate Records, Bob-Lo Records, and Macon Recording Studio, the first recording studio in Macon. He worked with many artists, including Otis Redding, James Brown, Wayne Cochran, Bobby Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Ellis. After retiring, his passion was working in his yard. He was predeceased by his daughter, Linda Neal, and brother, Billy Smith.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Liz Smith of Macon; three sons: Bob Smith of Tybee Island, Georgia, Tom Smith (Cindy) of Atlanta, and Christopher Smith of Jackson, Mississippi; three grandchildren: Michael Neal (Joann) of Byron, Alicia Carroll of Griffin, Georgia, and Kala Exum of Jackson, Mississippi; four great-grandchildren: Melanie Sexton and Brittany Neal, both of Byron, Alan Carroll of Griffin, and Aidyn Exum of Jackson, Mississippi; stepchildren: Judy Chartrand of Macon, Danny Montgomery of Nashville, Georgia, Jerry Montgomery (Linda) of Pearson, Georgia, and Steve Calhoun (Vicky) of Lynchburg, Virginia; six step-grandchildren; two step- great-grandchildren; and a brother, Donald Smith of Macon.

Register online at www.hartsmort.com.

Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements. Click here to view floral tributes.