Smalley

A candle that burned brightly and lighted the way for so many for so long flickered for a moment and then burned out on Jan. 14, 2022, when Robert “Bob” H. Smalley, M.D., 81, of La Grange, passed peacefully from the comfort of his earthly home into the loving arms of his Lord and his Savior.

Bob was born to Robert Frances Smalley and Jean (Hamilton) Smalley in Oil City, Pa., on July 25, 1940.

His family moved from Oil City, Pa. to Dallas, where Bob would grow up and attend school, graduating from Highland Park High School. During his high school years, Bob played quarterback for the 1957 State Champion Highland Park Fighting Scotties. He went on to attend the University of Texas and after graduation in 1962, he was accepted into medical school at U.T. Southwestern in Dallas where he graduated in 1967 with a M.D. degree.

During this time, Bob was aware how much this would later play a hand in meeting the love of his life.

It was during this time that he began a lifelong love story with his neighbor four doors down, Linda Delzell Smalley. Bob proposed to Linda “Moon” three weeks after they met and they married on June 26, 1965 at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas.

Bob honorably served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1973 as an Army Medic.

Bob and Moon were in Albuquerque, N.M., where Bob did his internship and residency, in 1968 when they celebrated the birth of their son, Mike. In 1971, they moved to Lubbock where they built Bob’s radiology practice and, in 1973, celebrated the birth of their daughter, Jean. In 1985, the family moved to La Grange where they built another practice and have lived ever since.

A devout Christian, Bob was always very involved in the Presbyterian Church communities wherever he lived. An ordained elder, he served in many leadership roles at the First Presbyterian Church in La Grange. He was a commissioned lay minister, taught Sunday School and even preached on occasion. Through the church and its ministries, he also, quietly, gave a lot to those in need.

A passionate fan of sports, Bob loved watching baseball and was a passionate collector of sports memorabilia. He kept his television tuned to the MLB channel in February, and would often during summer evenings listen to the dulcet tones of Vin Scully during Dodger broadcasts.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his son, Michael Smalley of La Grange; and his daughter, Jean Davis and boyfriend, Joshua Ince, of Missouri City; and his grandson, Eric Smalley of Waco.

He was preceded on to glory by his loving wife of 49 years, Linda “Moon” Delzell Smalley; and his parents, Robert F. and Jean Smalley.

He was widely loved and admired and leaves behind many who will miss him deeply. Bob’s friends and family will always remember his wit, intelligence, inquisitive nature, selflessness, and tireless dedication to those he loved and protected. In the words of Irving Berlin, “The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.”

A visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 pm.

A private family burial will be held at later date. Honored to serve as Active Pallbearers are John Mark Brown and Thomas Borgstedte, M.D., along with Gary Zenker and Leon Scott serving as Honorary Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, Bob asked that memorials to Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, La Grange Chapter, 553 E. Walnut, La Grange, TX 78945; Brazos Valley Hospice, 1048 N. Jefferson, La Grange, TX 78945; or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.