Texas Baptists mourns the passing of Chaplaincy Relations Director Bobby Smith

DALLAS - Bobby Smith, longtime director of Chaplaincy Relations with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 18. Smith faithfully served Texas Baptists for 25 years, including 20 years as director of Chaplaincy Relations.

“For 25 years, Dr. Bobby Smith faithfully and capably served Texas Baptists. For over 20 years, he worked to create one of the finest Chaplaincy Programs in the United States,” Katie Fruge, director of the Center for Cultural Engagement, said. “His ministry legacy is a worldwide network of chaplains serving in every corner of our communities under the umbrella of Texas Baptists. As we grieve His passing, we also celebrate the monumental impact he made and thank God for the eternal impact Bobby Smith had on so many.”

Smith served as a chaplain at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston from 1997-2001. In 2002, he became the founding director of Texas Baptists Chaplaincy Relations, a ministry that endorses and trains chaplains in the areas of military, correctional, lifestyle, public safety, healthcare, marketplace, crisis response and pastoral counseling. Since the ministry’s creation, more than 1,125 chaplains have been endorsed, including 650 active chaplains.

Smith was recently honored for his years of service at the Chaplaincy Relations 20th Anniversary Banquet on Sept. 12, 2022. Smith was described as a “chaplain to the chaplains” by those in the ministry, and chaplains shared stories of the many times Smith provided support as they and their families went through hard times.

During the banquet, the Chaplaincy Endorsement Council announced that the Bobby and Vicky Smith Endowment Fund would be created in honor of Smith and his wife for their years of dedication. Those interested in giving towards chaplaincy in Smith’s name can learn more here.

Smith received his Bachelor of Arts from Howard Payne University in 1976. He also earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

Before beginning his chaplaincy ministry, Smith served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Mullin, First Baptist Church of Mont Belvieu and First Baptist Church of Galveston.

He and his wife, Vicky, have two children, Laura and Nathan.

More information to come about memorial service arrangements.