Bobbie Sylvia (Bentley) Smith

Bobbie Sylvia Bentley Smith died in Dublin, Georgia on January 30, 2025. She was 96 years old at the time of her death.

Bobbie Sylvia Bentley Smith was born on August 16,1928 in Lincolnton, Georgia, to Henry Davenport Bentley and Syble Clare Kelley Bentley. She graduated as the Valedictorian from Lincolnton High School in 1945. She met her future husband, Samuel O. Smith, Jr. in early 1947. She was working at Bush Field in Augusta, in the office that was selling off surplus aircraft after World War II. S.O. was also working at Bush Field as an aircraft mechanic following his service as a Flight Officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps during the war. They married on July 15, 1947 after dating six months. Their first child, Samuel Douglas Smith was born on February 21, 1949. Shortly afterwards they moved to Macon, Georgia, and both S.O. and Bobbie were employed at Robins Air Force Base. Bobbie paused her career to be a full-time housewife and mother to her growing family. She welcomed sons Russell Stuart Smith on October 1, 1952 and Walter Cecil Smith on February 4, 1957. Bobbie and S.O. were devoted parents and grandparents, supporting and encouraging their sons and grandchildren in both their education and their careers. Once her sons had left home, Bobbie resumed her career, working for the U.S. Postal Service in Macon. Upon her retirement, she and S.O. bought her dream house in Dublin, Georgia. They moved there to be close to Russell and his family, who were already living in Dublin.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Virginia Bentley Pettus, her brother H.S. (Buddy) Bentley, and her son Russell.

She is survived by her husband S.O.; sons, Douglas and Walter; sister, Linda Walton; daughters-in-law, Genie O’Neal and Beth Pattillo Slater, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Bobbie will be buried near her son Russell who died on April 15, 2019, and was interred near his vacation home in Highlands, North Carolina.

A private graveside service in Highlands for the immediate family was held on February 2, 2025.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Smith family.