Robert "Bobby" Allen Smith

Robert "Bobby" Allen Smith, 79, of Batesville went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. He was born in Center Ridge, Ark. on Nov. 24, 1934 to Laudis Smith and Martha Nell Williams Smith. He received his BSE at Arkansas College (now Lyon College), his Master's degree at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro as well as a specialist administration degree. Mr. Smith was the school administrator, a coach, the principal, and superintendent during his 33 year educational career at Southside High School. He was a charter member of the Fellowship Baptist Church at Southside where he was the chairman of the deacons for over 33 years. He was a former member of the Board of Directors at Wood-Lawn Nursing Home (now Wood-Lawn Heights), and a former Justice of the Peace of Independence County. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and after retirement from teaching, he was a cattle farmer. He loved and was dedicated to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as it was manifested through his love for his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Betty Lee (Platt) Smith of Batesville; his son, Nathan Allen Smith and his wife, Lynnett; and his daughter, Robin Covington and her husband, Charles all of Batesville; four grandchildren, Brad Covington, John Covington, Natalie Smith and Nicole Smith; three great-grandchildren, Victoria Covington, Ava Ray Covington, and Coy Covington; and his sister, Suzanna Kennedy of Center Ridge. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Danny Smith. Pallbearers will be Brad Covington, John Covington, James Bush, Charles "Skipper" Platt, David Brewer, Robert Thomas, Jim Martin, and Kenny Kramer. Honorary pallbearers are the Fellowship Baptist Church Deacons, Wood-Lawn Heights Board of Directors, Dr. Greg Neaville, Jackie Lee, David Wyatt, Joey Sample, Clive Blount, and Gerald Davis. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Fellowship Baptist Church at Southside with Bro. Richard Nuckolls officiating. Burial will follow at Wyatt Cemetery at Rosie under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Monday at the church prior to the funeral service. Memorials may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church Building Fund, 1002 Batesville Blvd., Batesville, Ark. 72501 and The Compass Church Building Fund, 4550 Harrison Street, Batesville, Ark. 72501. Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.