ROCKY POINT — Bobby Lee Smith Sr., 79, of Rocky Point went home to be with his Savior on Thursday, March 2, 2023 surrounded by his family.
He was born on September 23, 1943 in Duplin County, NC, the son of Simuel Burney Smith and Maggie Tedder Smith. Bobby was preceded in death by his mother, Maggie, in 1970; his father, Simuel in 2004; two sisters, Lilly May (Infant) in 1949 and Jennie Mae Jones in 2022; two brothers, Jimmy Lee in 1995 and Billy Ray in 2004.
Bobby is survived by his wife of 59 years, Peggy Brown Smith; two children, Bobby, Jr. (Nancy) of Rocky Point and Joy Mason (Jerry) of Scotts Hill; six grandchildren, Daniel (Meagan), Hunter (Megan), Noah Smith, Shelby, Gabrielle (Austin) and Briley Mason; five great-grandchildren, Alaina, Brantlee, Bayleigh, Drystin and Brooklynn Smith; two brothers, Sammy (Jan) of Wilmington and Thomas (Ann) of Teachey; four sisters, Dorothy, Joyce Ezzell (Linwood) of Magnolia, Shirley Cherry of Statesville and Teresa Smith (Noland) of Burgaw; many nieces, nephews and friends all who loved Bobby.
Bobby was drafted into the US Army in 1965 and served in Fairbanks, Alaska alongside several men who became and have remained lifelong friends. Upon discharge he returned to North Carolina and settled in Rocky Point where he began employment with General Electric (Nuclear Division) in Castle Hayne and remained employed for over 30 years before retiring. Bobby enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, carpentry, mechanics and spending time with his Family. He was a founding member and served as Asst. Chief of Rocky Point VFD in the early 1970’s. He was always there if needed to do mechanical repairs, construction projects or whatever needed to be done. In fact, it has been said many times there isn’t much Bobby couldn’t build or repair. Bobby had a huge heart for serving, he served his savior, church and many individuals over the years that became special friends. Bobby held to the practices set forth in James 1:27.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Castle Hayne Baptist Church Family Life Center, 4544 Parmele Road, Castle Hayne, NC 28429 with The Rev. Billy Fowler conducting the service. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park.
The family wishes to thank all the employees and volunteers at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for their extraordinary care over the last few weeks.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Castle Hayne Baptist Church, 4544 Parmele Road, Castle Hayne, NC 28429 or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
