Robert Dudley Smith Sr.

Robert “Bob” Dudley Smith Sr., age 95, passed away peacefully October 21st, 2025. Bob was born August 29, 1930 a Nashville native who grew up just blocks from Vanderbilt University, Bob attended West End High School and lead West to win 2 state titles. In 1946–47, he was named to the All-Tournament State Basketball Team, and as a senior received the Nashville Banner’s Most Valuable Player award. 

After graduation, Bob was offered a contract with the Boston Red Sox but instead became the second scholarship player for Vanderbilt University, playing both Basketball and Baseball— and an avid Commodore for life. 

During 1949–51, Vanderbilt’s basketball team ranked in the nation’s Top 20, and in 1952, the Commodores captured the SEC Tournament title by defeating the #1 Kentucky Wildcats. Bob was named to the All-SEC team, selected by conference coaches. 

Following graduation, he was activated by the U.S. Naval Reserve and served during the Korean War until March 1954. Afterward, he joined the New York Giants for spring training under Carl Hubbell and played three years in the minor leagues before entering the business world. 

His career spanned decades in downtown Nashville as Executive Director of the Tennessee Savings and Loan League Association, where he was a familiar presence on Capitol Hill. Additionally served over 20 years as Honorary Consulate of Mexico. 

Introduced to Richland Country Club by his sister, Joan Jones and Bill Wade, in the late 1970s, Bob quickly became a beloved member—first for his competitive tennis and later for his golf. He excelled on the Senior Tennis Circuit, playing tournaments around the world. As of the late 80’s Vanderbilt named Bob Dudley one of its Top 100 Athletes of the Century and in 2011 was also inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. 

Bob Dudley lived life to its fullest as a passionate Vanderbilt sports alum, enjoyed sailing, art, travel, music, dance, and his many communities including Richland Country Club, Harbor Island Yacht Club, Nashville Jazz, Kiwanis, and Belle Meade United Methodist Church. 

He is survived by his wife of more than 70 years, Jeanne Evans Smith; sons Robert Dudley Smith Jr.(Trish), Bradford Evans Smith, and Randall B. Smith (Sonya); and three grandchildren, Lauren Rena Smith, Lindsey Paige Smith, and Lexie Hamilton Awad (Kasem), all of Nashville. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Forrest Smith Sr. and Daisey Dean Myers Smith; son Darrell Hamilton Smith; and eight siblings: Reita Smith Petsch, Albert Forrest Smith Jr., Donald Hayes Smith, Russell Monroe Smith, Garland Perry Smith, Gordon Hamilton Smith, Joan Smith Jones, and Kay Smith Adamson. 

Services to celebrate Bob Dudley’s life will be announced soon. As he would say in parting this life “Anchor Down”