Born in Columbia, Alabama, Sonny Smart was a beloved football coach known for his dedication to the game and the people he mentored. He was the father of Kirby Smart, the head coach of the University of Georgia football team. Sonny tragically passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 76.
Education
Sonny grew up in Columbia, Alabama, where he developed a love for sports, especially football. His passion led him to Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where he played football as a center. After graduating from Samford, Sonny knew his future was tied to the game, and he started his career as a football coach, eager to pass on what he had learned.
Career as a Football Coach
Soon after graduating from Samford, Sonny began his coaching career at the high school level. He coached both offensive and defensive lines and even became the head baseball coach at Holtsville High School in Alabama.
In 1988, Sonny Smart became the head football coach at Bainbridge High School in Georgia. This was a special time in his career because it gave him the chance to coach his own son, Kirby Smart, who was playing football at Bainbridge at the time.
During Sonny’s six years at Bainbridge, his coaching left a lasting impact on the team, and many of his players, including Kirby, went on to play at higher levels of football.
After his time at Bainbridge, Sonny Smart became the head coach at Rabun County High School in Georgia, where he stayed from 1995 to 2003. This period only added to his reputation as a top high school football coach in Georgia.
While at Rabun County, Sonny’s teams continued to be successful, and many players moved on to play college football before he finally retired in 2005.
Wife and Children
Sonny Smart was married to Sharon Smart, and together they had three children: Karl, Kirby, and Kendall. Of course, Kirby went on to become a famous football coach himself, but Sonny’s influence reached all of his children.
While Kirby’s success as a coach brought attention to Sonny’s legacy, it’s important to recognize that Sonny’s impact was much larger than just his son’s career. He changed the lives of countless young athletes and helped shape the future of high school football in Georgia.
Death
Sadly, Sonny Smart passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 76. He had suffered a fall on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, which caused a broken hip. He underwent surgery, but complications followed, and Sonny passed away surrounded by his wife, Sharon, and their children.
Sonny Smart biography will be updated here as new details emerge.
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FAQs about Sonny Smart
1. How old was Sonny Smart when he passed away?
Sonny Smart was 76 years old when he passed away on January 4, 2025.
2. What is the name of Sonny Smart’s wife?
Sonny Smart’s wife was named Sharon Smart.
3. How many children did Sonny Smart have, and what are their names?
Sonny Smart had three children: Karl Smart, Kirby Smart, and Kendall Smart.
4. What was Sonny Smart’s profession?
Sonny Smart was a highly respected high school football coach. He also served as the head football coach at Bainbridge High School and Rabun County High School in Georgia, and he was involved in coaching various positions, including offensive and defensive lines, as well as head coaching roles.