Columbus, OH — Robert Donald “Bobby” Smalley, 67, of Circleville, Ohio, formerly of Ashville, Ohio, died Aug. 2, 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, Ill., at Scott Air Force Base to the late Richard William and Donna Lee (Rambo).
Mr. Smalley’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, he remembered 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.
He attended Teays Valley High School and was a caretaker with Gene Riegle Stables in Greenville, Ohio, for over 20 years along with other stables in Ohio. He had a gift for horses, which took him all over the states to different racetracks. Worldly Woman, Mypanmar, Don’t Blame Her, and Artsplace were just some of the many horses he took care of.
He also loved Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns, military shows, watching old rock videos, and horse races on his phone.
He enjoyed hanging out with his friends at the local watering holes after a hard day at the stable.
Anybody who knew him had a story to share about him. He lived a simple life and always had a story to share.
He was proud of his son James.
Mr. Smalley is survived by his only child, James Robert; special friend, Suzy Keller (mother of James); nieces, Angela (Tim Robbins) and Brittany Pennington; nephews, Connor (Samantha Estep) Pennington and Cole (Chang Kim) Pennington; and four-legged boys, Chester and Sammie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Sara Kaye; and sisters, Susan Lee and Cathy Jo.
A graveside service will be held at Forest Cemetery, 905 N Court St., Circleville, OH 43113 on Monday (Aug. 12) at 11:00 a.m. with longtime friend Jimmy Gregg officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to put toward expenses: Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, in memo Robert Smalley donation, 420 W. Main St., Ashville, OH 43103. Online condolences at olivercheekfuneralhome.com.