Hobart "Hoby" F. Smith, age 87, of Sugar Valley, GA, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, March 14, 2013 at Swanton Valley Care Center. He was born on June 16, 1925 in Metamora, Ohio; one of five children to the late Lester Smith and Hazel (Penney) Smith. Hoby served from 1943 – 1945 in the U.S Army during WWII; at one time being stationed on the front line in Italy. From there his daughter Carlotta received her name. Hoby was owner of the Teddy Bear Bar in Delta for many years and also worked as a foreman for over 30 years with Wayne Reed Construction. During some of his construction time he opened and operated Soul Road Auto Parts. While living in Georgia, he raised calves and tinkered in his garage with light carpentry and mechanics. On November 25, 1983 in Georgia, Hoby married Bonnie (Seritt) Smith. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Sandra (Michael) Tracy of Delta, Rebecca (Paul) Wade of Swanton, Cynthia (Robert) Collins of Delta and Brenda (Ron) Burkheimer of Swanton; 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Hoby was preceded in death by his daughter, Carlotta Galbraith in 2012; siblings, Carol Wheeler, Virginia Szczepanski and Janice Nichols; and brother, David Smith. In honoring Hoby's wishes, there will be a public graveside service at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 18, 2013 at Raker Cemetery in Delta. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109, Delta, Ohio 43515. In lieu of flowers, those wishing a show of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Chapter, 2500 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43615 in his memory. Please visit www.barnesfuneralchapel.com to send condolences to Hoby's family.
