Sonny Smart, the dad of Georgia head football trainer Kirby Smart, passed away very early Saturday early morning, the institution revealed.
Sonny Smart dropped while strolling in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve and fractured his hip, according to the institution. Complications developed after he went through surgical treatment and he “was unable to overcome his injuries.”
“The Smart family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the Ochsner hospital and medical staff for the exceptional care provided to Sonny. Additionally, they ask for your continued prayers for those affected by the tragic events that occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day,” reviewed a declaration fromGeorgia “The Smart family treasures everyone’s thoughts and prayers and now prays for God’s comfort, strength, and guidance.”
The older Smart, that played university football at Samford University, was a senior high school football trainer in Georgia from 1988-2003.
“Sonny Smart touched many people in his life and we are saddened to learn of his passing,” statedSEC commissioner Greg Sankey in a statement “I had the privilege to visit with Sonny many times and enjoyed every conversation. Our sympathies go out to Kirby Smart and his family and to all who knew his dad.”
Kirby Smart frequently mentioned the lessons he gained from his father.
“He’s taught me so much just about the way you handle things, the right way, the wrong way,” Kirby Smart said two years ago after his dad was not able to participate in the CFP title video game. “Control the controllables. The moment’s never too big if you’re prepared. And I always watched the way he prepared our teams and our staff in high school. He was a very wise man, a man of few words. I tried to follow his mantra as a coach.”
Sonny Smart remained in New Orleans with his spouse to enjoy their kid trainer Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at theSugar Bowl The Bulldogs were knocked senseless after shedding to Notre Dame, 23-10.
