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James Smith Obituary
Macon, GA- James R. "Bobby" Smith died Thursday, October 11, 2012. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Hart's at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road. The Reverend Joe McDaniel will officiate. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Musella Baptist Church, P. O. Box 56, Musella, Georgia 31066.
Mr. Smith attended Mabel White Baptist Church and Musella Baptist Church. He was a die-hard University of Georgia fan. A former baseball and basketball coach, he played against the Harlem Globetrotters in an exhibition match in Macon. Mr. Smith founded Confederate Records, Bob-Lo Records, and Macon Recording Studio, the first recording studio in Macon. He worked with many artists, including Otis Redding, James Brown, Wayne Cochran, Bobby Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Ellis. After retiring, his passion was working in his yard. He was predeceased by his daughter, Linda Neal, and brother, Billy Smith.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Liz Smith of Macon; three sons: Bob Smith of Tybee Island, Georgia, Tom Smith (Cindy) of Atlanta, and Christopher Smith of Jackson, Mississippi; three grandchildren: Michael Neal (Joann) of Byron, Alicia Carroll of Griffin, Georgia, and Kala Exum of Jackson, Mississippi; four great-grandchildren: Melanie Sexton and Brittany Neal, both of Byron, Alan Carroll of Griffin, and Aidyn Exum of Jackson, Mississippi; stepchildren: Judy Chartrand of Macon, Danny Montgomery of Nashville, Georgia, Jerry Montgomery (Linda) of Pearson, Georgia, and Steve Calhoun (Vicky) of Lynchburg, Virginia; six step-grandchildren; two step- great-grandchildren; and a brother, Donald Smith of Macon.
Register online at www.hartsmort.com.
Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Smith
Judy Chartrand
October 16, 2021
The days pass, year after year, and you are still part of our lives. Stories never ending, and love never forgotten. We miss your presence Bobby, but we know you are in heaven enjoying all of God´s glory.
Judy Chartrand
October 18, 2020
Our Bobby hasn’t been forgotten because he’s no longer present. We think of him every day, and miss him, and our hearts long to see him once again soon, in heaven.
Judy Chartrand
November 12, 2012
The proficiency of a wise man, remains in modest belief of his own life's accomplishments, and his rewards that will become his legacy.
This is how I perceived our Bobby, a man who never gave himself an air of over accomplishment, and surprised all, of those deeds unknown.
Liz Smith
November 11, 2012
God sent you to me to light up my life, now peace be with you my love.
Tyson and me
October 22, 2012
Dot Pinkerton
October 19, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Smith family. Bobby was a dear and loved friend that will be greatly missed.
stanley kimball
October 18, 2012
as I read cant say i remember every one who walked through the doors on mulberry or miller field rd. i was one of the firstI worked so hard to help make them work sometimes i would work all night.R.I.P. bobby smith
October 17, 2012
Bobby Smith - Musical Master
You always had opened arms and a loving heart for everyone. You knew talent and recorded great talent. Like Otis Redding (Sitting on the Dock of the Bay),Orion, and Shout Bama Lama recorded by Wet Willie.
Bobby, you taught me how to run a sound board and opened doors for me in the music industry. We shared many sleepless nights and days waiting to hear you say, "that's a wrap".
I remember the Bulldog games at Rivalrys on the big screen. I remember helping you find the goal on the basketball court when you had your accident and couldn't see or hear well. Very few people could beat you.
When you played against the Harlem Globetrotters and told me Curly Neal was my cuz. Such a joker!
I miss you and know you are in a much better place with Linda in God's House. Until I see you again, I am living well in my new home.
I Love You
Always and Forever,
Mike Neal (Fish)
Ellen Morgan
October 17, 2012
The year was 1965 and I was in my freshman year at UGA. Mr. Bobby gave me the song "Pool Party" (by Wayne Cochran), and we recorded it in his Macon studio. Such an exciting experience for a young girl who, to this day, is still singing and performing. Always love the music!
My sincere condolences to the family as you mourn the loss and celebrate the life of this gentleman who influenced many in the field of music.
Jo Ellen (Tribble) Morgan
October 16, 2012
Sorry to hear of Bobby's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mable (Ernest) Dingler
Phil Johnson
October 15, 2012
Bobby, You were like a Father to us out on the road! You tried your best to keep us in line yet you were kind enough to let us have "our" way every now and then and that is why we loved you so much! Sure, you would always get the last word, but it was never harsh, just fair! I can almost still hear you saying "Philip-E, here's $2. Go get me a six-pack!" And I would tell you every time that $2 won't buy a six-pack but YOU would always say, "Well just pay the rest and I'll buy you breakfast!" Your ear was one of the finest in the business and you wouldn't be satisfied until it sound "Just right" to you! And all the success that followed you proved that you were the best! We'll ALL miss you Bobby! God Speed!!
Wayne Pierce
October 15, 2012
I'll always be thankful that Bobby gave this high school kid the experience of recording with Otis and Wayne and being part of the Rocking Capris. He deserves to always be remembered for his tireless efforts to preserve the real Macon music history that he loved. May your soul rest peacefully good friend.
Ed Steeley
October 14, 2012
My Deepest sympathy to Bobby's family. An "unsung" hero of Macon's music history, I'll always remember his enthusiasm and love for the music and the people in it. I never grew tired of sharing a part of the experience with him. We will miss him. You and Bobby are in my prayers...
Leon a/ka/ Ken Kennington
October 14, 2012
Recently Bobby and I spoke on the phone and enjoyed reminiscing when he recorded my record during the same time he recorded Otis Redding & Wayne Cochran. I will always remember you ... that was a wonderful period in my teenage years. Now you can make music with the angels.
Goose Goodrich
October 14, 2012
I will miss my friend and recording mentor. I learned so much from him he was always like a father to me. God Bless his family.
Debby Perkins
October 14, 2012
Bobby, you gave me my start in music and it blossomed from there,you and Ernest saw something in me and boosted my confidence to achieve more than I ever dreamed...May you rest in peace and be surrounded by music that you loved so dearly always with our Heavenly Father.You will be missed.
October 14, 2012
I didn't know you, but I know you are loved because your son Chris said it all the time. Rest in peace.
Laurie McCarthy
Christopher Smith
October 14, 2012
This is from your old Dirty Dawg that sleeps in the kitchen with his feet in the hall. Dirty, Dirt Dirt Dirt,Old Dirty Dawg
Emil Handke
October 14, 2012
Boby Smith, The Grand Daddy of Macon Recording Business. Thank You for giving me the chance to record and being my friend. You sure enough left your mark! Save me a seat
Evan Jones
October 13, 2012
We went back many years Played a lot of snooker recorded many songs in the studio I will miss him. Evan Jones
sharon wilson
October 13, 2012
Sorry for your loss, I knew Bobby through Orion(Jimmy Ellis)he was a very nice man.Im sure he meant the world to all who worked with him.Rest in peace.
michael neal
October 13, 2012
We will miss you Big Bobby!!! Give mama a big hug from all of us, we love yall very,very much God Bless. Dirty Bird....
Shirley Woodliff
October 13, 2012
Bobby is in his Heavenly Home - no more sickness and pain. My thougts and prayers are with the family
Newton Collier
October 13, 2012
Thanks Bobby for the music and letting me part of it.
October 13, 2012
He will be missed, What a great Guy!!!!
Kenneth Dokkeberg
October 13, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Liz, Christopher and rest of the family. Bobbys impact on the music field is bigger than most people know. Thanks for bringing out all the talented musicians to the world and for the great music you produced. I will always cherish our conversations we had on Jimmy Ellis and your Boblo Studio.
I will miss you my friend. Rest in peace.
Nick "Scott" Petta
October 13, 2012
Thank you Bobby, for all the yrs. of friendship and for all the yrs. as a great Producer and record man...you gave me my first hit record (MISTER BOOGIE MAN) and for giving me the chance to be Orion's M.D.I will always remember all the good times we had together on and off the road...you taught us all how to make and pick a hit record, you were one of the best!! here's to ya Bobby! God Speed...
Love and Memories
Nick "Scott" Petta
Nick "Scott" Petta
October 13, 2012
Thank You Bobby, for all the yrs. of friendship and for your yrs. as a great Producer and record man...for giving me my first hit record (MISTER BOOGIE MAN)you taught us all how to make a hit record. you could sure pick-em! love you and will always remember all the great times we had! God Speed...
Nicl "Scott" Petta
Judy Chartrand
October 13, 2012
It will be impossible to ever forget Bobby, he was definitely one of a kind. We are happy, he is no longer in pain, and in the presences of God
Judy Chartrand (step-daughter)
Lorraine Petta
October 13, 2012
Our sympathy to Liz and family. God's Peace and blessings to Bobby.
Nick and Lorraine Petta
October 12, 2012
Our deepest sympathies for the family. Bobby...I am going to miss you. We had some great times. Love you....Lenny & Cliff
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Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center at the Cupola6324 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210
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