Bobby Gene Spivey, age 81of Smyrna died August 17, 2016 at his home. He was a native of Dale County Alabama, and was the son of the late, William and Lucy Riley Spivey. He was also preceded in death by wives, Mildred Spivey , Mary Nancy Spivey; son, Wade Royal; daughter, Tracy Holland; brothers, Bill Spivey, Jr and Travis Spivey.

Mr. Spivey is survived by his children, Michael Royal of Smyrna, Tammy Barrett of Smyrna, Barry Royal and his wife Sherry of Murfreesboro, Elyse Ann Johnson and her husband Steve of Milton; daughter-in-law, Anna Royal of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Trey and Jason Johnson, Lindsey West and husband Justin, Emily Royal, Julie Williams and husband Wyatt, Laura Williams and husband Larry, Justin, Hayley, Dylan and wife Elizabeth, Colin, Lawson and Mary Catherine Royal, Kayson Barrett; nine great-grandchildren;

Special thanks to the devoted caregivers, Ashley Turpin, Pattie Mink, Richara Lee, Cathy Leas.

Mr. Spivey was founder and operator of Imperial Foods until 1998. In 2001 he was elected mayor of Smyrna and served a second term until July of 2009. During his time as mayor of Smyrna it had tremendous growth in residential and retail developments.

Mr. Spivey's involvement in his community goes well beyond his business and government work. He was largely responsible for raising seed money for the Motlow College Smyrna campus, and has served on the Motlow Foundation. He served as a major fundraiser for the new YMCA development in Smyrna; He has taken a leadership role in efforts by the Smyrna Housing Authority to construct housing for elderly. Mr. Spivey served on the Executive Board of Destination Rutherford through the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. In the early day of Nissan development, he served on the Board of Industrial Development. He is a former member of the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority and Smyrna Board of Appeals. He was active in his church and has been a member of Smyrna Rotary Club more than 30 years, serving as President in 1979.  Mr. Spivey was a major developer of commercial and residential properties throughout the community through his business BGS America, and recently broke ground on a new 95 unit senior housing development project

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls club of Smyrna or Trinity Christian Church in Smyrna.

Funeral service will be 3:00PM Sunday at Trinity Christian Church in Smyrna. Rev. Marshall Gupton will officiate. Private graveside service will be held Monday at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 2:00PM to 7:00PM Saturday at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna.

Online guestbook is available at www.woodifnchapel.com