Bobby J. Smith

Bishop Bobby J. Smith died peacefully and surrounded by family at the age of 82 in Gastonia, North Carolina on Monday, December 19, 2016.

Bishop Smith is survived by his wife, Jeri Smith; brother, Eugene Smith; children, Cindy Ashe and Terry Smith; son-in-law, Bishop Harold Ashe; grandchildren, Darren Smith and wife Leah, Staci Smith and Selina Ashe; great grandchildren, Arianna Smith, Layton Smith, Keaton Rae Smith and Lawson Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Wilma Smith, and sister, Lucille Thomas.

Bishop Smith was born on December 10, 1934, in Gastonia, North Carolina. He and his wife Jeri met at the West Gastonia Church of God and were married on January 7, 1957. Bishop Smith attended the Bible and Music Institute and began his ministry in 1964 with five members at the Yorkwood Church of God in Gastonia. During his 39 years at Yorkwood, he and his wife grew the congregation to more than 400 members. He retired from the ministry in February of 2005.

Bishop Smith was a loving husband, father and grandfather who put God and family first. He was a compassionate and loving pastor who had a heart for winning souls to Jesus Christ. His wife Jeri supported his ministry in every aspect, especially through music and by leading ladies groups. Bishop Smith was heavily engaged in other ministries beyond the local church, serving the Church of God in Western North Carolina as a state council member, a state world missions representative, and on the licensing examining board.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, from 6p.m. to 9p.m. at the Yorkwood Church of God in Gastonia. The funeral service is scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, December 22, 2016, at 1p.m. at the Yorkwood Church of God. The service will be officiated by Dr. Timothy Hill, presiding bishop (General Overseer) of the Church of God, Bishop Harold Ashe and Bishop Kevin Jones.

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.