Mr. Robert "Bob" Ware Smith

Robert Ware Smith (Bob), 79, of Albany, Georgia, passed away on December 6, 2023, following a year of declining health. Bob was born on February 8, 1944, to Chandler William Smith and Cleo Frances Smith, in Fitzgerald, Georgia. He grew up in Donalsonville, Georgia, where both of his parents taught high school. He and his twin sister, Sue, graduated from Donalsonville High School in 1962. Bob continued his education at Middle Georgia College for two years before transferring to the Georgia Institute of Technology where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree in 1967. After graduation from Georgia Tech, Bob and his beloved wife, Shirley Monk Smith of Bainbridge, Georgia, moved to the Detroit, Michigan area where Bob was employed as an Engineer with Ford Tractor. Upon deciding that the Michigan winters were too cold, Bob and Shirley returned to their home state and lived in Atlanta. In 1969, they, along with their two young daughters, made Albany their home. Bob was employed as an Engineer at Firestone for several years. He then was employed at M&M Mars for 27 years before retiring as an Engineering Manager in 2001. Bob thoroughly enjoyed his work with M&M Mars and traveled the world during this time. He was instrumental in designing the original equipment to produce Combos and also worked on a special project for Forrest Mars, Sr. at Ethel M Chocolates, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bob dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. As the grandson of a Methodist pastor, Bob grew up in a Methodist church. Bob and Shirley joined First Baptist Church of Albany and were members for over 50 years. Bob served as a Deacon, and both Bob and Shirley were very involved with the Activities Committee and youth programs, hosting weekly Friday night activities. Bob drove the church bus on many trips to Atlanta Braves games, Six Flags, and snow skiing trips to the North Carolina mountains. In addition, Bob drove the church bus on Sunday mornings to bring children in the community to Sunday School. He also participated in Visitation to community members in his lifelong efforts to spread the word of the Lord. Bob was a member of the Exchange Club of Southwest Georgia. He volunteered annually at the fair and participated in raising funds for charity organizations. Bob loved spending time outdoors and was happiest hiking in the mountains of Colorado, fishing, hunting, and walking three miles a day on the trails behind the Albany State University West campus. He continued this daily walk through February 2023. Beyond his professional accomplishments and service to the community, Bob was known for his dedication to and love for his family, humility, quick wit, and genuine interest in the people around him. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Shirley Elizabeth Monk Smith. He is survived by: daughters Kim McPherson (Brian) of Leesburg, Georgia, and Paula Norland (Larry) of Cary, North Carolina; grandchildren Bryce Sidders and Clay Phillips of Albany, Georgia, Elizabeth Norland of Estes Park, Colorado, and Caroline and Davis Norland of Cary, North Carolina; his sister, Suzanne Giddings, of North Haven, Connecticut; and nephews, great-nephews and nieces, and cousins. A service will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, 10:30AM Walden Chapel at First Methodist Church. A private burial will follow at Oak Cemetery in Bainbridge, Georgia. Memorial donations in Bob’s honor may be made to: The Diabetes Family Connection (thedfc.org), Wilson Hospice, Alzheimer's Outreach Center of South GA (Alzheimersoutreach.org), or a charity of your choice.

Mr. Robert "Bob" Ware Smith

February 8, 1944 - December 6, 2023