Bobby Hugh Smith, Sr., age 79, of Gray, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at his home. He was born in the Alvarado Community of Abingdon, Virginia, a son of the late Larkin Smith and Trula Lunsford Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Betty Dugger Smith; one brother, John Smith; sister, Lora Jean Moretz; and infant sister, Margaret Frances Smith.
Bobby was a charter member of Cornerstone Church since February 1984, had been head usher as well as its longest serving usher, and was involved in the food ministry and the benevolent ministry. He was an Advertising Sales Executive at the Bristol Herald Courier for 43 years and had also worked at Combine Insurance Agency and Bristol Steel. After retiring from the newspaper, he went back into the work force serving as the coolest school bus driver in Washington County, Tennessee. He loved hiking and picnicking on Roan Mountain, Bays Mountain, and in the mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and went to live music festivals across Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. He attended East Tennessee State University, where he was in the Army ROTC and earned marksmanship recognition. Growing up on a farm in a tightknit family and community strongly influenced his dedication to family and work ethic. He was present and dependable for all who needed him, selfless and compassionate, and was an amazing storyteller. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by three children, Christa Smith Anderson and husband Stacey of Alexandria, VA; Dr. Bobby Hugh Smith, II and wife Laura of Philadelphia, MS; and Kimberly Proffitt and husband David of Johnson City, TN; eight grandchildren, Avery Anderson and Claire Anderson of Alexandria; Dr. Hannah Smith and husband Dr. Jake Deering of Johnson City; Clarissa Greensmyth of Caldwell, ID; Mary Smith, Sarah Smith, Tabby Smith, and Paul Martin of Philadelphia, MS; one brother and sister-in-law, Ray Smith and wife Karen; one sister and brother-in-law, Terry Groseclose and husband Larry; and sister-in-law, Alicia Smith, all of Abingdon, VA; and sister-in-law Susan Fletcher and husband Tom of Elizabethton, TN; several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special lifelong friend Everett Stevens (Patti).
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The family would like to extend their thanks to Amedisys Hospice, Lakebridge Nursing Center, and special niece, Donna Nelson, for the care that was shown.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be sent to Cornerstone Church, 120 Cornerstone Drive, Johnson City, TN 37615.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the Smith family by visiting www.montevistafunerals.com.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Bobby Hugh Smith, Sr. and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
