Bobby Lee Smith

Bobby was born on March 28, 1931, to Henry Lee Smith and Mary Ruth Braden in Clayton, NM. The Smith family moved to East Texas in the late 1930s where Bobby “put down roots” until he went to his heavenly home on Oct. 18, 2024. He married the love of his life, Betty J. Pounds in 1951. Their marriage of over 60 years served as a testament to all who knew them of sacrifice, love, and devotion.

Bobby proudly served as Naval Petty Officer, 2nd Class in active duty during the Korean War. After his service time, he worked tirelessly to receive his BA from the University of Texas, Tyler and was a manager of the Testing and Environmental Laboratory at Tyler Pipe Industries, where he retired after working for 35 years.

His favorite hobbies included traveling, fishing, golfing, Sunday napping, and telling all his stories with his unforgettable sense of humor. Bobby was known for his stories. They were outlandish and impossible at times to believe, but as he said, “they are always true to how I remembered it happening.”

Bobby’s real legacy was that he ensured his family served and personally knew their Savior, Jesus Christ through his dedication to his church, Friendly Baptist Church (for the last 35 years), where he served as a Deacon, a greeter, and his personal favorite, serving in the children’s department. He adored children, as he was really a child at heart!

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents Henry Lee Smith and Mary Ruth Braden, beloved wife of 63 wonderful years, Betty J. Smith, and little sister Betty Smith.

Bobby is survived by son Randy L. Smith and wife Mary of Bullard, son Mark W. Smith and wife Janice of Tyler, TX, son Gary L. Smith of Tyler, TX, 6 grandchildren: Sean Smith, Marla Germany, Amanda Blundell, Wesley Smith, Justin Smith, and Kelsey Gray; 11 great-grandchildren.

A graveside memorial service will be held for Bobby Lee Smith on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 12:30pm at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery, located at 7825 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler, TX 75703.