Joseph Smith

Joseph Earl Smith was born October 2, 1940 in Hillsboro, Texas. Joseph was the first born of Mr. and Mrs. L.D. and Lizzora Smith. His proud parents ensured their family were grounded in the Lord thus Joseph accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mount Mariah Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Texas. He attended Phyliss Wheatley High school graduating in 1961.

He married his loving wife Alice Marie Miles June 17, 1964 in Waco, Texas. They later moved to Fort Worth and were married 49 years until Alice preceded him in death on August 15, 2013. Joe and Alice were a dynamic duo who complimented each other and enriched the lives of all who knew them. They were proud parents of Cynthia, J.D., and Andrea.

Joseph enlisted in the Army May of 1963 and completed basic training in Fort Polk, Louisiana. He later attended communication school in Fort Gordon, GA. Joseph was later assigned to 41st Signal Battalion Company A 1st Platoon in Fort Lewis, WA where he completed an array of assignments in the field of communications. After successful completion of various assignments, he was promoted from Private E-1 to Specialist E- 4 in approximately a year. Notably, out of 17 competing for the Specialist E-4 position, Joseph was one of three selected. He served as a team leader until 1965 when he was honorably discharged from active duty. He later spent four years in the reserves after which he was discharged completing six years of service. Notably, while in the service Joseph was skilled in precision shooting and excelled as an expert sharpshooter

Joseph was employed with Arlington Memorial prior to enlisting in the Army. After returning to Fort Worth, he was hired at Vandervoorts Dairy before securing employment at Lennox Heating & Air Conditioning as a forklift operator. He remained employed there for 24 years. Joseph worked an additional 10 years at Liberty Carton Company as a forklift operator before retiring.

Joseph lead his family to unite with the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Roy W. Bivens Sr. Joe was a loyal and dedicated member of Sweet Home Baptist Church of Fort Worth for over 53 years, the past 24 years were under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. James C. Brown. Affectionately known as Uncle Joe, he actively served in various areas of ministry as an appointed trustee of the church, member of the finance committee, Deacon, President of Male Chorus, officer of the Federated Male Choruses and outreach ministries. Joe will be remembered as a respected man of faith whose loyalty to the Lord, his family and church were unwavering. Joe possessed resilience in the face of adversity, tranquility in the face of uncertainty and faith in the face of tribulation. Joe always maintained a relaxed and peaceful temperament and loved to share funny memories with his loved ones. Joe was the quintessential father, grandfather and brother who adored his family and his church. He cherished singing with the male chorus and was proud to discuss the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Joe will always be remembered as a charismatic and charming gentleman who would leave a lasting impression on everyone he met along with the scent of his cologne at every place visited.

Joe transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home on December 2, 2019 in Fort Worth. Those waiting to welcome him, wife, Alice Smith, parents Mr. and Mrs. LD Smith, siblings, Leonard Smith and sister Sarah Nell Davis.

Those left to cherish his memories children, Cynthia, JD (Tonja) and Andrea (Jay), brother Harold Smith (Denise), Sisters in law Annie Snell (Johnny) and Renola Osborne, grandchildren Tyneshia, Temeaka (Willie) Chelsea (Marcus), Ashton (RaKeisha), Juston Gabriella, JT, Jakayla and Jordyn. Great-grandchildren Olivia, Ayden, Zoey and Noah. An additional host of nieces, nephews and other relatives too numerous to name and the Sweet Home Church Family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com/gwspencerdirs/en-us/index.page for the Smith family.