Robert Long "Bob" Smiley

It is with profound sadness that we announce that Robert Long Smiley (Bob), 93, of Gumbranch GA, passed away at home on the evening of November 6, 2025, surrounded by family and friends after a short illness.

Bob was born on November 6, 1932, on his mother’s thirty-second birthday. He was a proud native and lifelong resident of Gum Branch. He was a member of the Hinesville Church of Christ. Bob was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from the Georgia Army National Guard after 35 years of service. He continued to serve with MATES and later retired after many years of service.

Bob enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved his family and friends with all his heart. His hobbies included gardening and sharing his vegetables with his friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed going fishing at the South Newport River and McQueen’s Inlet with his beloved friends, Francis Wedincamp and Guy Anderson.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Carroll Smiley, Sr., and Madge Groover Smiley, along with his siblings, Joseph Carroll Smiley, Jr., James Willis Smiley, Sr., Margaret Smiley Floyd, Betty Smiley Floyd, and David Neil Smiley, Sr. as well as several beloved nephews and nieces and one great-great niece.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Ada Fletcher Smiley, daughter Karen S. Branch (Randy), granddaughter, Kathryn B. Nelson (Billy Joe), and three great grandchildren Jennings Nelson, Billy Joe Nelson, III (Beau) and Julia Laine Nelson and one brother Hugh Smiley (Carol), a sister-in-law Barbara Smiley, along with several nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers include Phillip and Beth Parker, Adam Parker, Travis, Amanda, River and Kaitlin Parker, and Kenny and Debbie West.

Our family extends sincere appreciation to Georgia Hospice Care for the tender and loving care provided to Mr. Bob.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Georgia Hospice Care in Mr. Bob’s name; 481 EG Miles Pkwy, Suite D, Hinesville, GA 31313.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday November 11, 2025 starting at 12 p.m at Carter Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday November 11, 2025 starting at 1 p.m in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home.

Burial will be private in the Gumbranch Baptist Church Cemetery.