Joel Francois Smith, 84, of Weyanoke, LA, passed away Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He leaves behind his loving wife, business partner and best friend, Sandra Rea Smith, of 45 years. Born in Bogalusa, LA, Joel attended and played football for Bogalusa High School. After graduating at age 17, he went on to play football at Pearl River Junior College from 1958-1961, where he excelled under the legendary Coach Dolby Holden.
Attending Southeastern Louisiana University from 1961-1963, Smith had the fortunate opportunity to play under another legendary coach, Stanley Galloway. As a fierce Lion, Smith was named to the All-Gulf South Conference 1st Team as a Running back. Upon graduating from Southeastern, Joel took his first coaching job at St. Paul's of Covington from 1964 to 1968. It led to a notable coaching stint as head football coach at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge from 1969-1971. From there, Smith was named Offensive Coordinator of the very first coaching staff at Nicholl's State University in Thibodeaux. As a coach and mentor to dozens of athletes and kids, he was well known for having influential and positive impacts on their lives.
The next chapter in Smith's life was as a salesman in the industrial petrochemical industry working for Hunter Chemical. After several years at Hunter, and with his aspirations soaring, he and his wife Sandi started their own business in the same industry, S&S Supplies, Inc. They increased the company from one location in Baton Rouge to three, including Lake Charles and Baytown, TX. They were hugely successful for 43 years.
Besides the great love he had for his family and friends, Joel had a huge respect and passion for the outdoors, believing in sports and conservation. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was part of the Fish Hawk Bass and Buckeye Hunting clubs where he made lifelong friends.
Joel had a unique talent which was bringing out the best in people around him. He was also known for having just the right saying to perfectly fit the situation. His positive impact and influence are fondly remembered by his family and so many of his players, employees and friends.
Joel is survived by his wife, Sandi, of Weyanoke, LA; son Joel F. "Jody" Smith Jr., of Weyanoke, LA; daughter Jennifer Smith, of Costa Rica; son Josh and wife Lidia (Adach) Smith, of Grand Junction, CO; stepdaughter Stacy Gill, of Weyanoke, LA. He was "Papa" to four grandchildren who will miss him dearly: Joel F. "J3" Smith, III; of Hammond, LA; Riley Gill McGlynn, of Lake Tahoe, CA; Olivia Gill McGlynn, of Honolulu, HI; and Oliver Francois Smith, of Grand Junction, CO. He also leaves behind loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and loyal and loving friends. Joel is preceded in death by his mother Marguerite Pelloat Smith; his father Walker B. Smith Sr.; his sister Marguerite "Wootsie" Smith Scott; brother Walker B. "Buddy" Smith, Jr., sister Jenny Lee Smith Baggett; and stepson Robert "Robby" Gill, Jr.
The service honoring Joel Smith will be officiated by his nephew Gram Rea, both in prayer and song. Pallbearers are Josh Smith, Joel Smith III, Jay Graham, Huey Guerin, Whit Harvey, Robert Tycer with Honorary Pallbearers as Bobby Joe Aertker, Wayne Allison, and Larry Varnado.
Visitation will be from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., in Baton Rouge on Friday, Dec. 13, with service immediately following. Burial will be at Smithland Family Cemetery, 12163 Cap Eddies Road, Weyanoke. The Smith family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to The Lodge and The Lacour House for caregiving.
In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in Joel Smith's name by visiting communitycarbontrees.org.
