Sonny Smart, the father of Kirby Smart, head football coach at the University of Georgia (UGA), passed away on Saturday.
According to a UGA statement, Sonny had undergone hip surgery after a fall in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve.
“Despite his brave fight, he couldn’t recover from his injuries,” the statement read. “The Smart family deeply values everyone’s thoughts and prayers and now seeks God’s comfort, strength, and guidance.”
Sonny passed away surrounded by his son Kirby, his wife Sharon, and his other children, Karl and Kendall.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his sorrow over Sonny’s death, calling him an exceptional father, husband, and a talented coach. “He was a constant figure at Georgia football games alongside his wife, Sharon,” Kemp said. “Sonny exemplified the values and strength we all aspire to have.”
Sonny Smart, a former high school football coach, was a regular presence at his son Kirby’s games after Kirby became head coach in 2016.
“He’s taught me so much about handling things the right way,” Kirby said in a 2023 interview with the Associated Press. “Control the controllables. The moment is never too big if you’re prepared. I always admired how he prepared his teams and staff in high school. He was a wise man, a man of few words, and I’ve tried to follow his example.”
