Robert Franklin Smith

Robert (Bobby) F. Smith, 83, of Odessa, TX was called home by the Good Lord on February 6, 2023 from his earthly home. He was born to Grady T. and Bertie G. (McGowan) Smith on June 8, 1939 in Wetumpka, Alabama in Elmore county. Bobby graduated from Wetumpka High School in 1956. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and worked as a mechanic on the flight line followed by the National Guard. He then went into trucking as a dispatcher and terminal manager for more than 20 years. The call of the oil field brought him to west Texas where he worked for Odessa Babbitt Bearing Company in sales. He managed a vast area ranging the western United States. Upon leaving OBBCO, his next career path took him to Medical Center Hospital where he worked security until he retired again. Bobby was the president of the Quarterback club and Band Booster club while his daughter was attending Stanhope Elmore High School. While working at OBBCO, he met the love of his life, Becky, through his daughter Tammara Brown who introduced them. The couple married April 21, 1984 at First Church of God in Odessa, TX. He was a God-fearing Christian man who was a founding member of New Dawn Fellowship. His loves included football at all levels. He could regularly be found at Permian football games, watching his love Alabama, roll Tide, or the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed playing church league softball. He loved the feel of the soil in his hands and this led to gardens wherever he could find land to garden on. He was known to have livestock, including cows and chickens, where he could. He volunteered many hours in helping at the church wherever it was needed. He is preceded in death by his parents Grady and Bertie Smith, his sisters Elizabeth Burkhalter, Allison Till, May Smith, and brothers Sammie Smith and Donald Ray Smith, his mother- and father-in-law Chester and Mary Calloway, sister-in-law Brenda Machen and brother-in-law Gernee Till. He is survived by his wife Becky Smith, daughters Tammra Brown and her husband Chuck, and Michelle Press, son Dewayne Press, grandsons Jeremy Wood and his wife Samantha, Ryan Press and husband Will, Bryce Press and wife Cheyenne, great grandchildren Jaycee Wood, Ryker Parum, and Blake Press, and Tami Eve, special friend. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Charles Calloway and wife Judy, and Terry Calloway and wife Laurie. Also surviving him are sisters-in-law Jo Ann Smith of Odessa, Priscilla Smith of Wetumpka, AL, and brother-in-law Douglas Smith of Sanford, FL. He leaves behind his beloved furbabies which he loved until his last moments, Giru, Lady, and FN. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and many other family members. Honorary Pallbearers are Hunter Inzer, Bobby Deason, Cole Hooser, Marvin Devaney, Donald Woodard, and Steve Adkins. A special thank you from the family is given to Interim Home Health, Interim Hospice, and Encompass Physical Therapy department for the care given to Bobby during his final days. The family is eternally grateful to each of you. Family visitation will be held at New Dawn Fellowship, 2110 E 10th St, Odessa, TX on Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. Services will follow at New Dawn Fellowship at 2:00 pm with Pastor Wally Schiwart officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Bobby in a special way may make gifts in his memory to New Dawn Fellowship, 2110 E 10th St, Odessa, TX 79761. Arrangements by American Heritage Funeral Home, 4100 FM 1788, Midland, TX 79707.

Tributes

Robert Franklin Smith

June 8, 1939 - February 6, 2023