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Sonny Smart Obituary
Sonny Smart fractured his hip on New Year's Eve in New Orleans, where he was visiting for the Bulldogs' Sugar Bowl game against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff. He underwent surgery and suffered complications. Sonny and his wife, Sharon, have three children: Karl, Kirby and Kendall.
Sonny Smart grew up in Columbia, Alabama, near the Georgia state line. He played football at Samford, a university near Birmingham where both he and Sharon graduated. The Smarts frequently attended Georgia football games, often seen on the field at Sanford Stadium after games. They were unable to attend Georgia's national championship win versus TCU in Los Angeles in 2023 while Sonny recovered from undisclosed medical issues.
Read more about Sonny Smart on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Sonny Smart
47 Entries
James Young
January 25, 2025
GAMS golf member, Sonny touched my life in many great ways, thank you Sonny.
Condolences to Smart family and in my daily prayers.
Bev
January 18, 2025
Sorry for Coach Smart's loss of his father. Praying for him, his Mom and family during this sad time
David and Jessica Smart
January 13, 2025
We are praying for comfort and peace for y´all. Daddy loved Sonny and thought the world of him. He always enjoyed getting together and playing golf or shooting birds. We love yall and know yall are in our prayers.
David and Jessica Smart
Donn Ann & Al Darley
January 11, 2025
Sincere condolences and prayers for all of the Smart family.
Donna Ann and Al Darley
Toombs County Georgia
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Gerald and Linda Culbreth
January 11, 2025
We were so saddened to hear about Sonny. He was "bigger than life." He always greeted us with a BIG
smile. He accomplished so much during his coaching career. He was a winning coach on and off the field. We were always so proud of him. So sorry we couldn't be there today to give you a hug. Sharon, our thoughts are with you and your family. You will
continue to be in our prayers in the
difficult days ahead. God Bless,
Gerald and Linda Culbreth.
Samuel Mitchell
January 9, 2025
Coach Smart was a one in a lifetime coach. I was the QB on his 1st head coaching job. Holtville High School 1977 Team. There was a reason he was named Smart, because he was. That first year we played a school about 10 miles down the road. We shouldn't have had a chance to win, but we did. We got on the field, went through our drills, and warmed up. After warming up we started loading the bus. He had arranged a police escort to lead the bus the ten miles down the road to the ball game. The captains got off went directly to the middle of the field right on time for the toss. The other team having bigger, stronger and faster players should have won, but didn't. We won the game 7-6. He had figured it all out to the minute. Not too shabby for a 1st year coach. They said the crowd didn't think we were showing up. He was also the best baseball coach I have ever had. State finals in 1977 1 game away from the state title. I will never forget his words my last day of school, If you ever need anything just let me know. He was one of a kind.
Larry & Martha Moore
January 7, 2025
Prayers for the Smart family. May God grant you strength for today and all the days ahead. Your dad is "safe in the arms of Jesus," and our faith tells us that you will meet again! Amen.
Vickie L Vickers
January 7, 2025
I didn´t no you .But you´re amazing father.I see one day.God blessed and I keep your family in my prayers.
Jess Parker
January 6, 2025
Coach Smart and family,
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to each of you during this difficult time. Although we all will grieve during this time, we have the hope and promise from our Lord and Savior in a place called heaven where we will be reunited with Him.
You are in our prayers!
Jess, D’Lon, Hunter and Kensley Parker
Chattanooga, TN
Ginny Crumley
January 6, 2025
All of the Smart family has been in my thoughts and prayers! Such a special family! Ginny
Anthony Allen
January 6, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Leavy Boutwell
January 6, 2025
Thoughts and prayers.
He was one of the best as a man and as a coach. I truly respected him.
Leavy Boutwell
John Conner
January 6, 2025
Sorry for your loss Coach!
Rebecca Hubbard
January 6, 2025
Sending my love and most sincere condolences to the Smart family following Sonny Smart's chance accident and death in New Orleans. Grieving abounds in the state of Georgia today. May Father God provide comfort to all of the family with the knowledge that Mr. Smart will still be at every Georgia football game supporting the Dawgs!
Keith Beck
January 6, 2025
Praying for the family
Louise Dillard
January 6, 2025
My heart goes out to you during this time of your loss of such an outstanding husband, father and coach. May God be with you.
Sonny Gray
January 6, 2025
Condolences to the Smart family, I pray that God gives your family peace and comfort as he did ours in 2023. Everyday the sun touches my face it´s like standing beside him filling his love. Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Lisa Bowman
January 6, 2025
So very sorry about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May God be with you!
Lee Rivenbark
January 6, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss of Sonny Smart. My Dad coached Sonny in high school and was later good friends as he watched Sonny´s coaching career and family grow! When my Dad´s health began to decline, Sonny called me and we had a heart felt conversation about my father as he was truly interested and concerned. Sonny was a Wonderful person.
Lee Rivenbark
Eric Sigman
January 6, 2025
God bless and. be with you all.God bless Sonny.
charles ashburn
January 6, 2025
A sad loss to a wonderful family and hundreds of friends. Sonny represents class, honor and professionalism in all respects. I have enjoyed the many opportunities witness this over the years. The wonderful memories o Sonny and the fact we know God is holding him in His arms as loved ones heal their hearts. Rest in Peace Sonny
Ruth Ramey
January 5, 2025
Sharon, I know how close y’all were. My heart breaks for all of you. I’ve read several of the tributes, and you have such beautiful memories to cherish. I hope we can get together as soon as you feel like it.
Paul Penni
January 5, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ramiro Montoya-Dawg Fan in Houston
January 5, 2025
God be with The Smart Family & May God rest Mr. Sonny´s soul.
Charles Webb
January 5, 2025
Sonny was among the outstanding high school football coaches in Georgia for many years. He was open and helpful to new coaches, and he was not afraid to say what was on his mind, especially when it related to honesty and coaching ethics. His influence on his players and others remain. R.I.P.
Anthony Allen
January 5, 2025
So sorry , friends since college!! Prayers for all!
Deborah Clay
January 5, 2025
Condolences from the many Georgia fans in Mexico Beach Florida. Rip Coach you earned your wings. Also from old schools in the southwest, such as Thomasville High School.
Randy Preston
January 5, 2025
I am so sorry and saddened by the passing of Sonny Smart and sending deepest sympathy to all the Smart family.
Benny Turner
January 5, 2025
Sharon and Family
My wife and I are praying for you. It is always difficult to lose one you loved. It was a privilege to know Sonny and play golf with him from time to time at Kingwood. He definitely was competitive on the course but always great to be around. When he started GAMS I had the pleasure to play and continue to do so. He kept our feet to the fire and enforced all the rules. He will be greatly missed. I will be praying for you and your family.
Benny Turner DMin.
Retired SBC Missionary
gene wade
January 5, 2025
i have broadcast high school football nearly 60 years and sonny smart is one of the greatest coaches and friend. when he wad at bainbridge he let us interview
him and his son kirby on field before coffee-bainbridge games. he will be missed not only for coaching but as a great human. my thoughts and prayers go to the smart family.
Joyce and Tommy Carruth
January 5, 2025
Kirby and Family sorry for you loss. Mr. Sonny was very proud of you and accomplishments. Our prayers for Peace and Comfort are with You and Family.
Mikey Brayton
January 5, 2025
Sending my thoughts and condolences to the entire Smart family. May all your wonderful memories be a comfort to you during this difficult time.
Karen Higgins
January 5, 2025
When I was in the 7th grade at Holtville High School, Coach Sonny Smart was my square dance partner. He was the only guy tall enough to dance with me. He was light on his feet and a great dance partner. He was a great coach and cared about all of his students. Coach Smart, you will forever be remembered in the Holtville High School community. Go HHS Bulldogs!!!
Tom OMalley
January 5, 2025
My deepest condolences to the entire Smart family. My son attended UGA and I proudly display my love for UGA and the entire Dawg Nation by flying a UGA flag outside my home. Tom OMalley. Stamford, CT
Edward "Bruce"Wood
January 5, 2025
To the Smart Family
We are so sorry for your loss and will certainly keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Respectfully, Edward "Bruce"Wood and Family in Hinesville, Georgia
Regina
January 5, 2025
Coach Smart,
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers .
Regina
Steven Reed
January 5, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon Banks
January 4, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Pierre Howard
January 4, 2025
Nancy and I send our deepest condolences to Mrs. Smart and to Coach Kirby Smart and his family.
Larry Porter
January 4, 2025
I´m so sad for the loss we have experienced at Sonny´s passing. He was an encouraging influence in my life as well as a good friend and golfing buddy. He brought so much enjoyment to many men through the senior golf tour GAMS that he founded. My thoughts and prayers are for Sharon and all the family that God will give peace and encouragement even in Sonny´s absence. God Bless
Marcie Rien
January 4, 2025
Praying for the entire Smart family. You are all loved and respected. God bless each of you. You are loved and we stand by your side and are here for you if there is anything that any of you need.
Liz Hallford Ward
January 4, 2025
I have no prior knowledge of Sonny and Sharon. only of their son Kirby. I grew up in north Georgia, still follow college football from Fort Lauderdale, and of course, the DAWGS. I will hopefully never lose what my parents instilled in me...and for which I am so aware of; and appreciate---- they defined for me by their actions integrity, honesty, and always trying to do the 'right thing' as written in the Gospels. It seems to me that Sonny and Sharon Smart have been lifelong examples for their children and that Kirby Smart's life, his approach to coaching The Dawgs, stands as testament to the teachings of our good Lord and his son Jesus Christ. And see by the actions of his parents. and most especially to his Dad, Sonny. What a beautiful example of lives well lived in the great, competitive SEC football arena...with the underlying realization of service and never giving in to egotistic hubris.....except for the occasional SEC title, of course. God bless the Sonny Smart family in their time of grief...but they know the sun will arise again tomorrow....and Sonny Smart will be watching over each one of them.
Larry Harvey
January 4, 2025
Mr. Smart,
Thank you for all the great memories over the years. I especially thank you and your wife for raising such wonderful, yet grounded children and grandchildren. As a Georgia Native now in my 7th decade of life I'm proud to call you a Georgia Boy.
Blessings to you and your family and...Good Job, Daddy!
Larry Harvey
Vininvg, Georgia
Jill Harpe
January 4, 2025
To the Smart family: My deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. I pray that God embraces each of you during this difficult time.
Lester Schwartz
January 4, 2025
Dear Coach Smart and family, I am so sorry for your loss of your father. I pray that God blesses you and your family and comforts you.
Luis Sanchez
January 4, 2025
Praying for the entire Smart family. Knew Sonny for 5+ years playing golf with him at Apple Mountain & other local courses. May God heal your grief & only leave you with countless memories of a life well lived.
Wilson culbreth
January 4, 2025
Very sorry to hear about Sonny's passing. I went to my grandmother's in Columbia every summer and played ball with Sonny during my visit. We always went to Aunt Marbles store. Praying for the family.
Showing 1 - 47 of 47 results
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