Robert H. Smith

Robert H. Smith, 86, of Metter, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro.

Mr. Smith was born in Valdosta, Georgia and was a son of Hardy Francis Smith and Bernice Patterson Smith.  While in high school in Boston, Georgia, Mr. Smith excelled in Basketball.  He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was last stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Mr. Smith attended Georgia Southwestern and South Georgia College where he received a two year degree in physical education and played basketball for Bobby Bowden.  He later attended Georgia Southern College. He enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, horses, gardening, hand crafts, and loved playing checkers which was taught to him by his grandpa.  Mr. Smith was of the Christian faith.  In addition to his parents and siblings, he was preceded in death by a son, John Avery Smith.

Surviving are his wife, Diana Wilson Smith of Metter; two sons, Robert H. Smith (Lisa) of Newnan and Edward E. Smith (Katherin) of Milledgeville; a sister, Martha Kathryn Boyles; and five grandchildren, Kayla Smith Brooker (Brandon), Allison Lorraine Smith, Jessica Brittany Smith, Samantha Avery Smith, and Erin LeighAnn Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

The graveside service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023 in Lake Cemetery.

The five granddaughters will be the Honorary Pallbearers.

Remembrances may be made to The John Avery Smith Distinguished Scholarship,UGA School of Pharmacy Donor Relations and Stewardship Quarters B, 100 Spear Road, Athens, GA  30602 or 1-706-542-8183 or https://gail.uga.edu/page.aspx?pid=231&bm=1229292467.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is in charge of the arrangements.