Varnville, South Carolina -- Bobby Joe Smith, son of the late Betty Smith Buchanon and Clinton Smith, was born March 13, 1959 in Varnville, South Carolina. He departed this earthly life early Saturday morning, April 6, 2013 at his residence.
Bobby Joe Smith was a graduate of Wade Hampton High School, Class of 1977, and was nominated Who’s Who Among American High School Students. He furthered his education at the former South Carolina State College of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Thereafter, he earned an Associate Degree from the University of South Carolina [Salkahatchie Campus] in Allendale, South Carolina.
In his young adult years, Bobby Joe joined Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church of Varnville, South Carolina where he served as a Trustee Board member until the Lord called him home.
For several years, he was employed at the Hampton Regional Hospital (formerly Hampton General Hospital) as a Patient Care Technician. Bobby Joe moved to East Orange, New Jersey where he enjoyed the city life.
In addition to his mother, Bobby Joe was predeceased by his grandmother and grandfather Hastings, Sr. and Bessie Smith who reared him as their own child.
He leaves to cherish his memories: His father Clinton [Mary] Smith of Islandton, South Carolina; A devoted friend, Jeffrey Fisher of East Orange, New Jersey; Four sisters: Latasha Duckett of Varnville, South Carolina, Sharon [Leon] Cobb of Walterboro, South Carolina, Alethia [Herbert] Wiggins of Walterboro, South Carolina and Pamela Smith of Islandton, South Carolina; One brother, Curtis [Coretha] Smith of Islandton, South Carolina; Also reared in the home as sisters and brother: Queen Williams, Shirley [Kenneth] Brayboy of Varnville, South Carolina and Hastings [Linda] Smith, Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina; Three aunts: Ida Mae [Willie] Williams and Eva Ree Mitchell both of Varnville, South Carolina, and Frances Rivers of Hampton, South Carolina; An uncle Senia Lee Smith of Islandton, South Carolina.
A special nephew, Kelly Buchanon of Tampa, Florida and a niece Ayana Duckett of Varnville, South Carolina. Along with a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loving friends, which includes six special friends (Jessie Wright, Evelyn Wrice, Sylvia Brown, Tommy Smith, Alleane Collins and Johnny Hughes).
