James R. Hendricks

Mr. Bobby Hendricks, age 83, of Sandersville, died on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the home of his son in Mentone Alabama following an extended illness. His family will greet friends on Saturday, July 25th from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Sunday, July 26th from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. in the lower-level social hall of Sisters Baptist Church. He will be buried in Brownwood Cemetery in Sandersville with a private committal.

James Robert Hendricks was born, reared and lived most of his life in Washington County. Bobby was a member of the 4-H club during his youth. He graduated from Washington County High School where he enjoyed sports, especially football. He attended the University of Georgia and graduated from Georgia Southern with a bachelor’s degree in education. He would later obtain a master’s and an education specialist degree. Bobby married the love of his life Martha Ivey in 1965 and together he began a 32-year career in education as an English teacher at Lanier Junior High in Macon. They soon returned home to Sandersville where again taught English at Washington County High School. Bobby also coached high school track and field and men’s basketball. In 1972 his team won a state championship. Bobby served as principal of Sandersville Elementary School for many years and retired as director of transportation for the Washington County Board of Education. He was an active member of Sisters Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and served as a church deacon. Bobby was an experienced archer and enjoyed competing in archery competitions throughout the state. He was an avid hunter, often hunting rabbits and quail with his dogs. He loved his garden and sharing his produce with family and friends. Bobby was always a leader with a humble heart. He was an excellent husband and father. He is predeceased by his parents, Ollie Robert Hendricks and Quida Thornton Hendricks, his son James Robert “Jay” Hendricks and sister, Betty H. Brett.

Survivors include his wife Martha I. Hendricks of Sandersville; his son Craig Hendricks and his wife DeeDee of Mentone Alabama; grandchildren, Lauren Hendricks, Matt Hendricks (Katie), Gerry Shannon, John Shannon (Laura Williams), Charyssa Farris (Chad Ward) and D.J. Hutchins (Rose) and ten great grandchildren.

You may donate in Bobby’s memory to Heartlite Hospice Care, 401 S. Market St., Scottsboro, AL. 35768 or to Saint Judes Children’s Hospital at stjudes.org.

Please leave an online condolence at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.