Sonny Smart, the father of Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart, passed away on January 4 at 12:15 a.m. The news was shared by the University of Georgia, which revealed that Sonny Smart suffered a fall on New Year’s Eve, resulting in a fractured hip. Although he underwent surgery, complications emerged afterwards. He was with his wife, Sharon, and their three children—Karl, Kirby, and Kendall—during his final moments.
The Smart family expressed their profound appreciation for the care given to Sonny by the staff at Ochsner hospital. In light of the recent tragedy, they kindly requested prayers for all those impacted by these events.
Sonny Smart was a familiar face at Georgia football games, showing unwavering support for his son. Like Kirby, he had a background in coaching, having worked at the high school level at Bainbridge High School from 1988 to 1994 and at Rabun County High School from 1995 to 2003. Over his coaching career, Sonny accumulated a record of 90 wins, 78 losses, and 1 tie. Kirby often credited his father’s teachings as a major influence in shaping his own coaching philosophy.
Prior to the recent National Championship Game against TCU, Kirby Smart spoke about the valuable lessons his father imparted to him, emphasizing the importance of preparation and managing challenges.
The news comes after a tough season for Georgia, which concluded with a 23-10 defeat against Notre Dame.
In summary, the news highlights both a personal loss for Kirby Smart and a legacy of mentorship that will endure in his coaching approach. This moment for the Smart family reflects not just sorrow, but a celebration of the life and impact Sonny Smart had on his family, students, and players. The values and principles he instilled will likely continue to resonate through Kirby Smart’s endeavors in the sport.