Bobby Joe Smith

Born October 9, 1944 to R.C. (Robert Claud) and Jo (Velma Jo) Smith, an only child, in McKinney, Texas. He was raised in a small farming community just outside of Whitewright, TX where he and his family were crop farmers of cotton and corn. In 1950, His family moved to Ft. Worth, Texas. He graduated Poly Tech High School in 1962. He briefly attended college in Tennessee.

Bobby was an adventurous boy and man. Many journeys were taken in his life – from working on a ship bound for Hawaii – to working at General Dynamics – to driving an 18-wheeler and even a tanker truck. Bobby loved to travel and live life freely. As only he could, he would recall the many colorful adventures and highlights of life on the road.

In the 80’s, he began working in the bus industry, managing the Kerrville Bus Lines in Shreveport, LA. At this time, Bobby lived in Longview, TX. This is where his love of fishing from childhood kicked in full gear; he fell in love with Lake of the Pines and began a part time Fishing Guide Service. When he wasn’t in Shreveport, he was fishing. He also found that he loved speed on the water. He often recounted flying across the lake at 97 mph.

After leaving Shreveport, he worked for Grey Hound, Vaught Charters and Gene’s Charters. In 1991, he established the Busing Department for Chickasaw Nation Indian Bingo in OK, now called Winstar. In 1992, he married the love of his life, Rita, and quickly gained a daughter, Brandy, whom he called his own and loved no less.

Together, Bobby and Rita bought a bus and established B&R Charters. This is where they found a Bingo Family that they loved and served for 25 years, taking their adopted family to Bingo and retiring in 2016.

In 1998, they adopted a son into their lives, when Brandy married Nathan. In 1999, Cyrus was born and Bobby took on his treasured title of Grandpa. He loved Cyrus as his own and Bobby changed the meaning of spoiled. Phrases such as “That Boy Could Do No Wrong”, “He’s my boy” and ”I’m so Proud” were frequently said over Cyrus.

Bobby loved fishing, being on their dock, flying across Lake Whitney in his speed boat, quiet time, snacks, his family and friends. He was a straight forward/no non-sense type of man – a quality that some did not know how to receive but most appreciated and respected. You ALWAYS knew where you stood with Bobby Smith.

Bobby left us on Friday, June 12th. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Rita Smith of 28 years, daughter Brandy Reddell, son in law Nathan Reddell, Grandson Cyrus, Brother in laws, Mark Griffin & wife Pam, David Griffin & wife Kelly, and numerous nieces and nephews. His legacy in our lives can never be replaced. He lives on in our hearts forever. We love you always…Until we meet again, My Love.