In the basketball community, Bobby “Bingo” Smith was a well-liked character who was renowned for both his long-lasting influence on the game and his remarkable on-court abilities. Following his untimely death, friends, family, and the basketball community are in mourning for the loss of a real legend.
We shall examine Bobby Bingo Smith’s extraordinary life, his contributions to the game, and his legacy in this post. In order to pay tribute to him and commemorate the life of a player who left a lasting impression on the basketball community, we will go into the specifics of his obituary.
Bobby Bingo Smith Obituary
After a protracted illness, Robert E. Smith, fondly known as “Bingo,” died away quietly on October 26, 2023. Chalmers and Idella Smith of Memphis, Tennessee welcomed Bingo into the world on February 26, 1946.
Cavaliers legend Bobby “Bingo” Smith died at the age of 77. His No. 7 is retired by the organization. Photo: The Plain Dealer pic.twitter.com/RhcIkLVV5F
— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) October 26, 2023
During his time at Melrose High School, he was recognized as an All-American in football, baseball, basketball, and track. He chose to play basketball at The University of Tulsa, where he excelled both on and off the court and was recognized as an All-American.
After being selected by the San Diego Rockets with the sixth overall pick in the 1969 NBA Draft, Bingo moved to Cleveland in 1970 and spent ten years there as a key member of the team. Bingo concluded his career in San Diego once more, but this time as a Clippers player.
His post-basketball career activities have mostly involved giving back to Northeast Ohio, particularly to the kids, in a variety of capacities.
After the passing of his parents and siblings, Smith is left with his children, Andre (Kati) Monique, Courtney, Misty, and Malaika. Nicole, Nicholas, Bobby, Chris, and Joie are the grandchildren.
Several close friends, including Mary Truitt, George and Sandra McClain, Donald Christian, Bill and Jane McCloude, and Campy Russell, are also grieving with the family.
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Bobby Bingo Smith’s legacy
While playing for his collegiate team, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, Robert Smith, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, was given the moniker “Bingo” to set him apart from another Bobby Smith on the team. Smith’s abilities caught the attention of the NBA after he was voted the 1969 MVC Player of the Year.
Smith was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1970 expansion draft after being originally selected by the San Diego Rockets. With 21 points in his opening game, he had a great start.
He played a key role in the Cavaliers’ 1976 division title team in the 1975–76 season. He also led the club during the so-called Miracle at Richfield, where the team overcame a seven-game series deficit to overcome the strongly fancied Washington Bullets. In the final two seconds, three games were decided.
Smith was among the team leaders in terms of games played, minutes played, field goals made, and scoring when he retired. He continues to rank among the top 10 in each of those categories to this day.
In 1979, the Cavaliers retired his number, making him one of only seven players in franchise history to do so. Smith was also honored with inductions into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame and the University of Tulsa Athletics Hall of Fame.
Tributes to Bobby ‘Bingo’ Smith
Cleveland Cavaliers shared a post on Twitter:
Cavaliers Legend, Bobby “Bingo” Smith, passed away today at the age of 77. Our thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are with the Smith family. Smith’s enduring legacy shines through his presence in the franchise’s record books and his meaningful time spent with the organization.… pic.twitter.com/1Eat4m8DNS
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 26, 2023
Mr. Cleveland Sports shared a post on Twitter:
Bobby “Bingo” Smith
1946-2023#LetEmKnow
RIP to a true Cleveland legend
🏀🙏 pic.twitter.com/xw8dMVQpG3— Mr. Cleveland Sports (@MrCleveland_216) October 27, 2023
OHsVeryOwn shared a post on Twitter:
RIP to Cavs legend Bingo Smith 🙏 pic.twitter.com/I7BjcAe6Y6
— 𝚘𝚑𝚒𝚘’𝚜 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗 🕷️⚔️ (@OHsVeryOwn) October 27, 2023
John Skrtic shared a post on Twitter:
#RIPBingoSmith
Bingo Smith of the #Cleveland @cavs Source: @Cleveland_PL in from Fitch to Fratello. pic.twitter.com/WkcXSB5wQ5— John Skrtic (@SkrticX) October 27, 2023
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