Heartfelt Remembrance: The Passing of Sonny Smart

News Summary

Sonny Smart, father of University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, passed away on January 4 at the age of 76, following complications from hip surgery. His family, including his wife and children, were by his side during this difficult time. Known for his dedication to coaching young talent in Georgia and Alabama, Sonny’s legacy will continue to resonate within the Georgia football community as they mourn his loss.

Heartfelt Remembrance: The Passing of Sonny Smart, Beloved Figure in Georgia Football

Atlanta, Georgia – The world of college football took a somber turn on January 4, with the passing of Sonny Smart, father of University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. Sonny departed this life at the age of 76, after complications arose from hip surgery that followed a painful fall on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.

In what can only be described as a heartfelt farewell, Sonny surrounded himself with love at the time of his passing. His wife, Sharon, along with their three children, Karl, Kirby, and Kendall, were there to provide comfort during this difficult time. Their loss is profound, and the family’s request for prayers resonates even more, particularly as they reflect on a tragic, concurrent event in New Orleans that led to a loss of innocent lives and wounded many others.

A Legacy in Coaching

Sonny Smart was no stranger to the football field. A dedicated coach, he spent numerous years nurturing young talent as a high school football coach in both Alabama and Georgia. His time on the sidelines was spent coaching at Holtville, Bainbridge, and Rabun County, leaving his mark on countless players who would go on to chase their dreams in sports and beyond.

Before venturing into coaching, Sonny wore a helmet and pads himself, playing as a center at Samford University. His contributions to the sport didn’t go unnoticed, as he was honored with an induction into the Decatur County Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. A proud father of a coaching legend, Sonny Smart was often seen in the stands, cheering on Kirby in his quest to lead the Bulldogs to victory. Since Kirby became head coach in 2016, Sonny had been a staple at home games, proudly supporting his son’s journey.

The Family Ties to Football

Kirby Smart often attributes his coaching philosophy to the profound lessons learned from his father. The principles of preparation and resilience that define Kirby’s approach to coaching can be traced back to the wisdom and guidance offered by Sonny. The deep-seated values instilled in him have created a lasting legacy that continues in the hearts of those who have been fortunate enough to learn from Son of Sonny.

In a bittersweet twist, Kirby had to contend with the reality that his father was unable to attend the recent 2023 National Championship game, where the Bulldogs delivered a stunning performance against TCU, winning 65-7. Throughout Kirby’s successful journey, the absence of Sonny’s supportive presence during that monumental match rippled through his emotions, highlighting how significant his father’s role has been in his life.

Final Reflections

As the football community mourns the passing of Sonny Smart, it becomes increasingly evident just how much of an impact he had on the lives of those around him. Friends, family, and fans remember him not only as a coach but as a wise man who offered guidance and rooted for the underdog in every situation. His mantra of hard work and development is something that resonates with those who strive for excellence, a sentiment that will surely linger on every sideline and locker room for years to come.

As the Smart family copes with this tremendous loss, they extend their love and appreciation to all who have reached out to offer support during this challenging time. Knowing that his legacy continues through the passion and intensity of the game he cherished, Sonny Smart will forever remain a part of Georgia football’s soul.

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Additional Resources

• 247Sports
• Wikipedia: Kirby Smart
• CNN
• Google Search: Sonny Smart
• ESPN
• Google Scholar: Sonny Smart
• Dawg Nation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sonny Smart
• 11Alive
• Google News: Sonny Smart