Clyde J. "Sonny" Smart

January 11, 2025 – For Immediate Release Due to severe winter weather and its impact across north Georgia, the location for the memorial service for Clyde J. “Sonny” Smart Jr. has been changed. The service in celebration of Sonny’s life will now take place at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church. Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church 8397 North Wolffork Road Rabun Gap, GA 30568 The service will begin at 3:00pm today, doors will be open at 2:00pm, seating is limited. For additional information contact: Beck’s Funeral Home Clayton - (706) 782-9599 Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church – (706) 746-2020

***Due to anticipated inclement weather, please check the obituary for any possible changes to the service location.***

Clyde J. “Sonny” Smart, a beloved educator, coach, and mentor whose passion for sports and dedication to his students and athletes shaped countless lives, passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 76.

Born on March 10, 1948, in Alabama, Sonny’s journey as a leader and coach began early. He graduated from Houston County High School in Alabama before continuing his athletic career as a center for the Samford Bulldogs. A proud graduate of Samford University, Sonny earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1970. He later earned his Master’s degree from Auburn University at Montgomery and his Educational Specialist degree from Troy University.

Sonny’s love for coaching led him to return to his high school alma mater, where he began his career. He quickly gained a reputation as a dedicated and skilled coach, and instilled a sense of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship in his athletes.

His coaching career took him to Holtville High School in Alabama, where he coached football and baseball, helping the Holtville baseball team secure a state championship in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Bainbridge High School in Georgia, where he served as the defensive coordinator and later as head football coach and athletic director from 1988 to 1995. During his tenure at Bainbridge, Sonny helped the Bearcats win their first state football 1-AAA championship in 1982 and guided them to several successful seasons, including playoff appearances in 1990, 1993, and 1994. Under his leadership, the Bearcats reached the state 1-AAAA semi-finals in 1993 and captured the Region 1-AAAA championship. Sonny earned both Region 1-AAAA Coach of the Year and Athletic Director of the Year honors in 1993.

In 1995 Sonny moved to Rabun County High School in Georgia, where he served as head football coach and athletic director until his retirement in 2005. During his tenure at Rabun County, he led the Wildcats to the playoffs in 1996 and set a school record by winning 11 games in 1998. He earned Region and Athletic Director of the Year honors three times and served as the Region President for four years. Sonny’s influence extended beyond the local football field, as he coached both the Georgia North-South All-Star Game in 1990 and 1999 and the Georgia-Florida All-Star Game in 1997, showcasing his exceptional coaching talent on the state level.

In 2019 Sonny’s contributions to Georgia sports were recognized with his induction into the Decatur County Sports Hall of Fame. In 2023 the National Football Foundation recognized him with the Contribution to Amateur Football Award. Both are fitting tributes to a life spent uplifting athletes and fostering a love of the game.

After retiring from coaching, Sonny founded the Georgia Mountain Senior Golf (GAMSGolf) in 2013, serving as its director until 2024. Thus, he continued to impact the community, creating opportunities for seniors to stay active, engaged, and connected through the sport of golf.

Sonny is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Maxey Smart, with whom he shared 52  years. He is also survived by his children: Karl Patrick Smart (Halo), Kirby Paul Smart (Marybeth), and Kendall Smart Burrus (Josh); and his eight grandchildren: Jordan Devon Phillips, Weston Paul Smart, Julia Elizabeth Smart, Brynna Raye Burrus, Brock Von Burrus, Clyde Joseph Smart, Andrew Foster Smart, and Isadora Frances Alice Smart.

His legacy as a coach, educator, and friend lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His commitment to excellence, his unwavering dedication to his athletes, and his genuine care for everyone he encountered have left an indelible mark on the communities he served. He will be deeply missed.

Rest in peace, Sonny.

A Christian Service in Witness to the Resurrection and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church on Saturday January 11, 2025, at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church New Building Fund, P.O. Box 333, Rabun Gap, GA 30568.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Clyde J. “Sonny” Smart. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

***Due to anticipated inclement weather, please check the obituary for any possible changes to the service location.***