Robert Hayes Smith

Robert “Bob” Hayes Smith, age 84, of Hoover, Alabama. He passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025, spending his final days surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama on January 28, 1941. He was dearly loved by his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Bob grew up in Huntsville, Alabama spending many summers in Tennessee. After graduation from Huntsville High School, he earned his undergraduate degree in engineering from the University of Alabama. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He met his wife of 59 years, Alice Hamilton Smith, at the University of Alabama. He also earned a Master of Business Administration Degree from Samford University.

Bob was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. His professional career spanned 37 years at Southern Company Services as a Project Engineer.

Bob loved to travel. He and Alice spent a lot of time experiencing different cultures and learning the histories of many places around the world. He would research each destination and develop his own itinerary being his own tour guide. He said once, “Half of the fun going to different countries is to read about them ahead of time.” He traveled to all 50 States, 38 countries, and six of the seven continents.

He also had a love for the garden. He was a Master Gardener and a past member of the Board of Directors at Aldridge Gardens. He donated a bronze statue featuring seven ducks at Aldridge Gardens. The ducks represent his seven grandchildren. He was a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather, and was very involved in their activities.

Bob was an avid fan of any kind of sport, especially University of Alabama sports. He played tennis when he was younger and was an accomplished tennis player. He had many trophies for local singles and doubles tournaments.

He was a faithful Christian and is leaving a legacy of faith behind him. He was a member of Riverchase Church of Christ and a past member of Homewood Church of Christ. Many of his and Alice’s friends are from their lives attending these two churches.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Irmagene Smith; his father, Robert Theron Smith; and a brother-in-law, Barry Burney. His is survived by his wife, Alice Hamilton Smith, to whom he was married on July 31, 1966; one son, Brent Smith (Mandy) of Melbourne, Florida; one daughter, Ashley Stockard (Mike) of Vestavia Hills, Alabama; grandchildren, Mary Kate Smith, Abby Smith, Emmy Smith, Michael Stockard (Sophie), Drew Stockard, Gracie Priestley (Richman), and Ellie Stockard; great-grandchild, Joy Priestley; and sister, Betty Burney.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama from 12 noon to 1 p.m., followed by A Service of Celebration for Bob’s Life at 1 p.m. at Ridout’s Southern Heritage, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. Burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. Dewayne Spivey will officiate.