If you’re a fan of college football, you’re undoubtedly familiar with Kirby Smart, the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs. But there’s one thing you might not know: Kirby Smart’s father was also a football coach.
In past interviews, Kirby has spoken fondly of his parents, but much of their story remains shrouded in mystery. So, who are Kirby Smart’s parents? Keep reading to uncover the details.
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Who are Kirby Smart’s Parents?
Kirby Smart’s parents are Sonny Smart and Sharon Smart, who played a crucial role in shaping the man he is today, a fact he openly acknowledges. Sonny and Sharon have three children together: Karl, Kirby, and a daughter named Kendall.
Sharon Smart, Kirby Smart’s mother, married Sonny a year after graduating from college. She earned a degree in English and pursued a career in teaching, but upon realizing she had three beautiful children who needed her, she transitioned into the role of a homemaker. She is known for her supportive and caring nature, embodying the qualities of a good mentor and mother.
On the other hand, Sonny Smart earned a degree in physical education and went on to become a high school football coach for over two decades, mentoring the Bearcats at Bainbridge High School, where his son, Kirby, played safety. This player-coach relationship between father and son forged an unbreakable bond that blended football with family. When asked about his father, Kirby remarked, “He’s taught me so much, just about the way you handle things, the right way, the wrong way.” He then quoted one of his father’s guiding principles, “Control the controllable.”
Where do Kirby Smart’s Parents Live Now?
Sonny and Sharon Smart hail from Holtville, Alabama. However, they currently reside in North Georgia, near the town of Helen. They also maintain a second home in Reynolds Lake Oconee, Georgia, a popular golf and resort community.
Sonny Smart, a retired high school football coach, remains actively involved in the sport by coaching youth football teams. Sharon Smart, a homemaker, is a dedicated mother to Kirby and his siblings.
Smart Family’s Ethnicity, Faith And Nationality
The Smart family has a deep-rooted history in Alabama, solidifying their American nationality. Sonny and Sharon both come from white-Caucasian heritage, with speculated English and Scottish ancestry. This lineage can be traced back to Sonny and Sharon’s grandparents, who also resided in Alabama.
The Smarts are devout Christians and openly practice their faith, emphasizing the importance of belief and God in their lives. As the coach of the Bulldogs, Smart has also instilled the significance of faith in his players.
The combined Net Worth of Sonny and Sharon Smart
Determining the exact net worth of Sonny and Sharon Smart is challenging as their personal finances are not publicly available. However, based on available information, we estimate their combined net worth to be between $1 million and $5 million.
A significant portion of their net worth is likely attributed to their two properties: their primary residence in North Georgia and their second home in Reynolds Lake Oconee, Georgia. Overall, Sonny and Sharon Smart are financially comfortable, enjoying a net worth that supports a well-maintained lifestyle.
Kirby Smart’s Siblings
Kirby Smart’s older brother, Karl, is a nurse practitioner in San Francisco. He is married and has a family of his own. Karl was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 15, but he made a full recovery and now runs marathons.
Kirby Smart’s younger sister, Kendall, is also married. She is a chemistry teacher and cheerleading coach in Atlanta.
Kirby Smart’s Parents Health Issues
Both Sonny and Sharon are in their late 70s, and old age inevitably brings its own challenges. As a result, they have recently been unable to attend their son’s football games. Smart expressed his sentimentality when discussing his father’s medical issues, stating, “It hurts me that he and my mom won’t be here, but I know it’s the right decision for him. He’s been at almost every game, in terms of home games in Athens and playoff games. It’s tough that he’s not able to make it.”
In this instance, Kirby Smart’s parents, Sonny and Sharon, continue to be a constant presence in his life, even if they can’t always be physically present at his games.
Conclusion
Both of Kirby Smart’s parents, Sonny and Sharon, have enjoyed long and healthy lives thus far. They raised three wonderful children, each of whom has achieved success in their own field. Sonny Smart instilled his football knowledge in Kirby, who followed in his father’s footsteps.
