Bobby Joe Smelcer, age 83, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Saturday October 7, 2017 following an extended illness.
Mr. Smelcer was born on November 17, 1933 in Habersham County, Georgia to the late Lawrence and Flora Erwin Smelcer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Maney Smelcer and sister, Mary Lou Smelcer Ballew. Mr. Smelcer was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was a 1950 Graduate of Baldwin High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon discharge, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration at Piedmont College and attended John Marshall Law School. Mr. Smelcer was a sitting Magistrate Judge with Habersham County for over 40 years. He was owner-operator of a local Union Oil Company Franchise since 1955, retiring in 2000 from North GA 85 Auto / Truck Plaza in Commerce, Georgia. Mr. Smelcer was also owner of S&M Used Cars in Baldwin. He was a 50 year plus Master Mason with the Cornelia Lodge #92 F&AM; a Charter Member of The Rotary Club of Habersham County; and a member of the V.F.W. Post 7720. Mr. Smelcer was a strong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of Level Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Todd Harper, of Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Joey and Tina Smelcer, of Cornelia; grandchildren, Adam Harper and spouse, Christine; Makayla Smelcer; and Aaron Smelcer.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 9, 2017 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Rev. Terry Rice officiating. Interment will follow in the Yonah Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the Grant-Reeves V.F.W. Post 7720, and the American Legion Post # 84, Rabun County DAV Post #15.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Chenocetah Conservation Corps, P.O. Box 570, Cornelia, GA 30531 in his memory.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia. 706-778-1700
Those wishing to express online condolences to the family may do so by visiting whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
