James R."Bobby" Smithson

Mr. James R. “Bobby” Smithson, 98 a retiree of Union Carbide, died Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at the Bridge of Columbia where he had resided for eleven years. Graveside services for Mr. Smithson will be conducted Thursday, September 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Rock Springs Cemetery with Wendell Robinson officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. A native of Maury County, Mr. Smithson was born May 3, 1923, to the late Johnny Elmer and Alma Rummage Smithson. As a young man, he worked on the family farm of his grandparents, Algie and Ida Rummage, on the Sowell Mill Pike. On March 10, 1944 he married Virginia Lovett Smithson, who preceded him in death on May 29, 2016, after 72 years of marriage. Together they reared their large family on this farm on the Sowell Mill Pike. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, building birdhouses, and making lap quilts, which he proudly gifted to family and friends. At the Bridge, he enjoyed bingo and working puzzles. He was a member of the Graymere Church of Christ, where he was active in the Seniors Program. He is survived by his children, Gayle (Larry) Benderman, Ronnie (Kathleen) Smithson both of Columbia, Martha Davis of Hernando, Florida, Bill (Wanda) Smithson of Leoma, Emily (Lionel) Panter of McMinnville, Larry (Kathy) Smithson and Carol (Jerry) Dickey both of Columbia; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren, plus a great-great grandson due in October. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Kay Smithson and a brother, Howard Smithson. Grandsons, Grandsons-in-law and Great-Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family suggests memorials be made to Columbia Academy, 1101 West Seventh Street, Columbia, Tennessee 38401 or Rock Springs Cemetery Fund c/o Ronnie Smithson, 3097 Butler Road Columbia, Tennessee 38401.