Bobby Gene Smallwood || Obituary

Bobby Gene Smallwood, 79, of Paris, TX, passed away peacefully at Paris Regional Health on March 27, 2025.

Bobby was born on August 2, 1945, to William Roscoe “Jim” and Helen Latham Smallwood. He was the fourth of seven children, raised in Paris, Texas. Bobby graduated from Powderly High School in 1963.

On June 19, 1965, he married the love of his life, Shirley Chandler, and together they built a life filled with love and commitment. Bobby worked at Bob Swaim Hardware while also taking on small construction jobs on the side. In 1968, he embarked on his first home project. The proceeds from selling that home helped him establish what would become Bobby Smallwood Construction. Over the next 50 years, he was truly blessed to work alongside close family members in the construction business, gaining a reputation for his honesty and integrity. His dedication to his work earned him the honor of being named Lamar County Builder of the Year twice.

Bobby was deeply involved in his community and served on many boards and organizations over the years. His commitment to community service included positions with the North Lamar ISD School Board, the Boys and Girls Club of Paris Board, the Red River Valley Fair Board, the St. Joseph Hospital Advisory Board, the Lamar County Appraisal Board, and the Paris and Lamar County Home Builders Board, where he served as president. He was also a former member of the Rotary Club of Paris, the Noon Optimist Club, and the Breakfast Optimist Club, and served on the Lamar National Bank Board. Bobby was especially proud of his involvement with the Paris Boys and Girls Club, where his dedication to the youth of Lamar County earned him a spot on the Wall of Fame, an award that was close to his heart.

The true joy of Bobby’s life was his family. He loved cooking for them, bragging about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments, and cherishing the time spent together. Bobby was beloved by all who knew him and never missed an opportunity to help others.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Smallwood; three children, daughter Tammy Smallwood, son Jerry Smallwood, and daughter Tuesday and husband Bart Chadwick; grandchildren Levi Drake, Cannon Chadwick and wife Payton, Sydney Chadwick Hall and husband Keith, and Jett Smallwood; great-grandchildren Sadie Mae Hall and Blakeley Reese Chadwick; brothers SC “PeeWee” Smallwood and wife Jennifer, Jimmy Smallwood and wife Donna; and sisters Shirley Darnell and Nancy Freeman and husband A.B. “Buddy.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Helen Smallwood; brothers Joe and Larry Smallwood; and daughter-in-law Connie Smallwood.

Visitation will take place from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 30th, at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home in Paris, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 31st, at the First United Methodist Church in Paris, Texas. Interment will take place at Providence Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Levi Drake, Cannon Chadwick, Jett Smallwood, Keith Hall, Bart Chadwick, Lowell Gillie, and Bonner Gillie, with Honorary Pallbearer Sydney Chadwick Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the Smallwood family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com