Bobby Joe Smith

Mr. Bobby Joe Smith, age 76 of Centre, passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM Friday, March 14, 2025 at Centre First Baptist Church (The ROC) with Rev. Melvyn Salter and Pastor Keith Day officiating. Burial with First Responder Honors will follow in the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Leesburg. The family will be receiving friends Friday from 1 PM until the hour of service at the church.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Smith; Son, Timothy A. Smith; Daughter, Christa S. (Trent) Patton; Grandchildren, Bryson Patton, Ross Smith, Madison Smith, and Brea Patton; Brother, Danny (Cindy) Smith; Several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include his family and members of the Cherokee County Rescue Squad.

Honorary Pallbearers include: Tommy Oliver, Archie Richerson, Barry Cochran, Johnny Roberts, Mike Ward, Tommy Chambers, Jimmy Tillery, Ken Teal, and Doug Machleit.

Mr. Smith was a native of Dekalb County, Alabama, the son of the late Irby E. and Pauline (Jo) W. Smith, and was preceded in death by his son, Cody E. Smith.

Bobby Joe dedicated his life to the service of his community. He was an owner of Smith’s Auto Service for over 40 years, providing automotive services to the community of Cherokee County and also operated Smith’s Trucking, hauling classic cars all over the United States, including one for Keith Urban. He was a member of the Cherokee County Rescue Squad, with over 52 years of total service. He served as an Officer, First Lieutenant, and served as a Trustee on the Board of Directors for over 40 years. Bobby held certifications as a Rescue Diver, Search and Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Cave Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, and an Auto Extrication Technician.

His accomplishments included numerous Rescuer of the Year awards on multiple occasions locally as well as being awarded Rescuer of the Year by the Alabama Association of Rescue Squads. He was an avid fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, attending numerous season games and traveling with the team for National Championship Games. He was the President/Medic for 19 years with Cherokee Emergency Medical Services. Bobby Joe also had a love for children and was always excited to go to speak to local schools, Boy Scout groups, and other events to demonstrate Rescue Equipment and to instill in them the importance of community service.

In summary, Bobby Joe defined being a public servant.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cherokee County Rescue Squad, PO Box 485, Centre, AL 35960 or the Cedar Hill United Methodist Church, PO Box 296, Leesburg, AL 35983.

Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.cherokeememorialfuneralhome.com