1930
Bobbie
2023
Bobbie Joe Smith
May 16, 1930 — August 16, 2023
New Lothrop, formerly of Flint
SMITH, Bobbie Joe - Age 93, of New Lothrop, formerly of Flint, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. A funeral service will take place 12:00 PM, Monday, August 21, 2023 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Visitation will take place from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, August 20, 2023 and again on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM. Private interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to NKH Crusaders or Swan Hospice.
Bob was born on May 16, 1930 in Lacrosse, Arkansas, the son of James and Ethel (Wiles) Smith. He graduated from Stanford High School in Paragould, Arkansas in 1949. Bob moved to Michigan in 1950 and worked for GM SPO for the next 39 years where he also was a proud member of the UAW local 659. He entered the United States Army in 1952 and served in the Korean War as a truck driver until his honorable discharge in 1954. In 1954 he met the love of his life Dora Frances "Fran" Sellers, and they were married on June 15, 1956.
Bob was a lifelong member of the church of Christ. He was proud to be the “sign guy” at the church for many years and spent countless hours preparing witty sayings and wise words for those who drove by. Bob was a gentle giant that deeply loved his family and friends. While not always a man of many words, Bob’s clever and mellow personality had the ability to fill a room with peace and laughter.
Bob was a master “tinker” man. He could build or fix anything after a little thinking and planning. He was often found in his workshop or in his chair planning his next project. Bob was always on the move. Rarely sitting down, he was always taking care of things around the house or spending hours in his expansive garden.
Bob and Fran took many trips with the union and travel groups and enjoyed their time together with many special friends. He enjoyed bowling and going to church and dinners with his family, especially when they involved cookies or ice cream for dessert. Bob’s selfless character and devotion to his family will be missed. His love of Jesus and quiet yet determined leadership has left a deep imprint on all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Fran Smith; children, Cathy (Kevin) Bushre and Robert (Michelle) Smith; grandchildren, Stephanie (Patrick) Fuller, Phillip (Kathryn) Bushre, Jarrod (Amanda) Smith and Ariel (Jeff) Coats; great-grandchildren and "Big-Papa" to, Caela (Hunter), Kaden, Addy, Nadia, Aleeya, Aidan, Wrynn, Avery, Harper and Lakyn; sisters, Juanice Coburn and Cleta Jones; and several nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ethel Smith; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Evelyn, Emersyn Fuller and Eliza Bushre; and sister, Nelda Simpkins. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Hak, nurse, Jamie and Chaplain, Tom from Swan Hospice Care for their tireless care of our husband, dad, and Big Papa. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bobbie Joe Smith, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, August 20, 2023
1:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
Visitation
Monday, August 21, 2023
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
Funeral Service
Monday, August 21, 2023
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
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