Robert "Bobby" Donald Smalley

Robert Donald “Bobby” Smalley 67 of Circleville, Ohio, formerly of Ashville Ohio passed away Friday, August 2nd, 2024, at Ohio Health Doctors Hospital Columbus, Ohio from a brief battle with Small Cell Lung Cancer. He was born March 18, 1957, in St. Clair County, IL at Scott Air Force Base to the late Richard William and Donna Lee (Rambo) Smalley. Beside his parents he was preceded in death by an infant sister Sara Kaye, sisters Susan Lee and Cathy Jo Smalley. Survived by his only child, James Robert Smalley of Dayton, Ohio; special friend Suzy Keller (mother of James), Bradford, Ohio; nieces Angela Smalley (Tim Robbins) Ashville, Ohio, Brittany Pennington Texas, and nephews Connor (Samantha Estep) Pennington Circleville, Ohio, and Cole (Chang Kim) Pennington Texas and four-legged boys Chester and Sammie. Bobby’s early childhood memories were learning how to swim at his Uncle George’s place in Colorado, hanging out with his favorite Aunt Mary, and going on a Sunday drive with his family. As he got older, baling hay for the local farmers, and spending time with his friends and their families in Millport and Ashville as they took him in as their own. Bobby attended Teays Valley H.S. and was a Caretaker with Gene Riegle Stables in Greenville, Ohio for over 20 years along with other Harness Racing stables in Ohio. He had a gift for horses, which took him all over the states to different racetracks. Worldly Women, My Pan Mar, Don’t Blame Her, and Artsplace were just some of the many horses he took care of. He also loved Ohio State, Cleveland Browns, Military shows, watching old rock videos, and horse races on his phone. Bobby enjoyed hanging out with his friends at the local watering holes after a hard day at the stable. Anybody who knew Bobby had a story to share about him. He lived a simple life and always has a story to share. Bobby was proud of his son James.

A Graveside Service will be held at Forest Cemetery, 905 N Court St. Circleville, Ohio 43113 on Monday August 12th 11:00 AM with longtime friend Jimmy Gregg officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the funeral home to put toward expenses to Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, in memo Robert Smalley donation, 420 W. Main St. Ashville, Ohio 43103. Online condolences at olivercheekfuneralhome.com