BATON ROUGE - Bobby Smith, the Louisiana State Trooper blinded in a 1989 shooting, has died.

Louisiana State Police announced Smith's death Sunday morning.

"Words are inadequate to describe the life, the love and character of Bobby," a post on LSP's Facebook page read. "In the 80's, Bobby was shot in the face by an assailant on a traffic stop. He lost his sight, his career and his marriage. Never one to succumb to adversity, Bobby earned a PhD, authored books and set out on a path of helping others."

Smith would go on to publish three books, "Visions of Courage: The Bobby Smith Story," "The Will to Survive," and his latest book, "What's in Your Heart Comes out Your Mouth," in April 2013.

Since 1995, Smith had spoken to over a million people worldwide, according to his website.

In 2008, Colonel Mike Edmonson welcomed Bobby back into the LSP family as a staff advisor. 

"We lost an indelible soul this morning, Bobby Smith," Edmonson said. "As I stand in his living room and my eyes circle the room, it is evident how important his family and LSP were to him. I brought Bobby home yesterday from the funeral of WBR Deputy Donna Leblanc and her daughter. As we talked about the tragedy, his thoughts were of his wife, Janie and his kids. Mostly of his daughter Kim whom he buried 19 years ago yesterday. He was incredibly proud to be a Louisiana State Trooper, a family he held close in his heart. We lost a part of all of us this morning, but Bobby Smith continues to guide all whom he touched. Heaven has welcomed home a hero."