1960 – 2019
John Robert “Bobby” Smith, 58, of Norman, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 7, 2019 with his family by his side. He was born December 12, 1960, in Denver, Colorado to Jack Harold and LaNeave (Woolverton) Smith.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Kathleen Smith, of the home; one son, Tyler John Smith and his wife, Lindsey, and their son Elliott; and one daughter, Emily LaNeave Smith. Bobby is also survived by his stepmother, Martha Smith; his brother, Greg Smith and his wife, Linda; his sister, Susan (Smith) Aston, and her husband, Mark; his brother, Mike Fitch, and his wife, Shannon; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
After spending the majority of his childhood in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Bobby graduated from Haltom High School in Haltom City, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Liberal Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Following a long career in the restaurant industry, Bobby found his true passion in helping people plan for a better future as a financial advisor for Guardian Life Insurance.
In 1985, Bobby was transferred to Lafayette, Louisiana, where he met his best friend and the love of his life, Kathleen Sobek, whom he married the following year on June 21, 1986. After beginning their adventure together, they eventually settled in Norman, Oklahoma, where they raised their two children.
As a father, Bobby was always lovingly involved in his children’s lives, coaching many of Tyler’s baseball teams, attending Emily’s numerous cheerleading competitions, and encouraging them to pursue their passions. As a husband and partner, he was completely thoughtful and supportive – fiercely devoted to Kathleen throughout their blissful, 33-year love affair. As a family, the Smiths loved to travel together, try the most adventurous foods, and cheer on their Oklahoma Sooners. Bobby also loved to golf, cook, and play just about any instrument he could get his hands on.
Everyone who knew him loved, respected, and admired him. Through his life and his career, he impacted countless lives in countless ways. He was hard-working, good-natured, and built a legacy of integrity. He was a truly honorable man.
The family will be present to receive friends during visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, May 12, 2019, at Primrose Funeral Home, 1109 N. Porter Avenue in Norman. A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 13, 2019 at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church, 419 S. University Boulevard, Norman. All are welcome to join the family at a reception immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the ALS Association of Oklahoma; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; or Shriner’s International in honor of Jack Smith.
