Bob Smith

Mr. Bobby Joe “Bob” Smith, 85, of Hartwell, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center.

Born on March 2, 1940 in Lavonia GA, he was the son of the late Troy J. Smith and Sue Cobb Smith Bowers. Mr. Smith was a former Coble Milk Dairy Route Salesman, and retired after 22 years of services as the Probate Judge of Hart County in 2014. He was active with Hart Partners-Imagination Library, member of the Sons of the American Legion and Nancy Hart Masonic Lodge #690. He also attended Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and the Hartwell First Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife: Cindy A. Smith; two sons: Joey Smith (Amber) of Lavonia and Scott Smith (Lisa) of Bowersville; a daughter: Sherry White (Hootie) of Hartwell; a brother: Tim Smith of Atlanta; three sisters: Shirley Barnard and Jean Madden (Tommy Lee) both of Hartwell, and Janice Bharadwaj (Abhay) of Mauldin SC; ten grandchildren: Chris Bailey (Molly), Brady Burnette, B.J. Smith, Dusty Smith, Jodie Greer (Drew), Ashley Isbell (Daniel), Whitney Long (Trent), Madison Smith, Grace Davis (Chance) and Alex Smith; five great-grandchildren: Brianna, Jay & Preston Isbell and Andrew & Evie Greer also survive.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents; first wife: Barbara Thacker Smith; and a brother: Tommy Smith.

Mr. Smith wished to be cremated and a service to celebrate his life will be Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hartwell First Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart and Rev. Jason Webb officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

The family requests no flowers, memorials may be made to the Hart Co. Animal Rescue, PO Box 45, Hartwell GA 30643, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 2973 Mt. Olivet Road, Hartwell GA 30643 or Hartwell First Methodist Church, 200 E Howell Street, Hartwell GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.