Robert "Bobby" Wayne Smith

Robert Wayne "Bobby" Smith of Collins, GA, passed away on June 25, 2023, in Evans County while doing what he loved most - flying. His passion for the skies was unparalleled, and his love for flying was boundless. Bobby was a beloved member of the Reidsville community for many years.

He was born on January 18, 1953, and after graduating from Reidsville High School, he attended the University of Georgia where he studied Political Science. With Bobby’s passion for flying, he would spend every chance he could in the air which led him to become the chief flight instructor for MidCoast Aviation, an approved education provider for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, which he owned and operated. He joined the Reidsville Airport Authority Board in 2021 where he served as Vice Chairman and worked tirelessly to ensure its betterment.

In 2012, Bobby became an Angel Flight pilot where his first Angel Flight was for his granddaughter, Jessie Smith, when she had to be transferred to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for heart surgery.  In the time following, he continued to work with Angel Flight and help arrange flights for other families in need of this crucial service as he was renowned for his generosity and willingness to help others.

Bobby will be remembered exceedingly more by members of the community than can ever be listed because he never turned down the opportunity to help someone in need.  He gave more of himself than he asked of others on so many occasions.  Bobby’s kind and generous nature will be missed by many.  Not only in the aviation community, but by the countless lives he touched throughout his life.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Nancy Smith, brother, Billy Smith (wife Maxine); son, Heath Smith (wife Kelli); daughter, Heather McCall (husband Kenny); daughter, Heidi Hendrix (husband Tim); daughter, Amy Cannon (husband Kenny); grandchildren, Gabriel, Rayleigh and Raylan Smith, Nicholas and Quinton McCall, Ethan and Sarah Hendrix, and Allie Cannon; and nieces and nephews, Shari Cobb, Chuck Sullenger, Stacy Reese, Wil Smith, Krista Bradley, and Todd Bright. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Swinton and Maxie Smith; his sister, Carole Fay; and his granddaughter, Jessie Smith.

Family and friends of Bobby Smith are invited to join in honoring his life and legacy on July 1, 2023 at Reidsville First Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by services at 2:00 pm, officiated by Elder Clay Gill. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable donations be made to the Reidsville Airport Authority in honor of Bobby Smith. Donations can be sent to the Reidsville Airport Authority, PO Box 2351, Reidsville, Georgia 30453.

Low Country Cremation and Burial has the honor to serve the Smith family.