Today we have the honor to re-introduce to you, Joseph Franklyn Smith, better known to everyone as Joe.
Born January 11th, 1948, son of Ralph Smith and Irma Sue Johnson, Brother to Alexis Ann “Cookie”, and Husband to Jannie. He was a father of 3, grandfather to 5, and great-grandfather to 2, uncle to many nieces and nephews, and friend and storyteller to everyone he met. We are here today to remember the life and legacy he leaves on this Earth.
Joe grew up in Jacksonville, Florida fishing with his friends every chance he could. In 1965, he joined the United States Navy at the young age of 16 years old. He was stationed in San Diego, California and was aboard the USS Taussig DD746 Destroyer, and served two tours in Vietnam. In the summer of 1968, Joe met the love of his life. They wrote letters back and forth, and in July of 1969, Joe married Jannie.
He was a very devoted husband to his wife Jannie, I honestly don’t know if anyone ever really saw one without the other. If you went to their house, chances are they were sitting on the porch, or at the table together, Joe at the head, and Jannie to the right. They had a life together that was inspirational and full of love.
On October 6th, 1970, Joe became a father to a son, Ralph. In July of 1973, he became a father of two boys, when Ben was born. He was a perfect dad to boys, loved hunting and Fishing and doing just about anything outside. Whether it was going down to the river bottom to hunt or simply play in the mud, they always had a good time. 15 years down the road, Joe became a father to his beautiful baby girl, Melissa. Good thing for him, Melissa loves getting dirty and had him and her two brothers wrapped around her finger.
Joe was a perfect example of what a man should strive to be. He was a great dad and an even better Pawpaw. He took pride in his kids, grandkids, and great-
grandkids. He loved to show them off, and always made sure they knew how proud he was of them. He was always their number one fan in anything they did.
Joe worked at Nucor in Grapeland for 33 and ½ years as a welder. He had a huge heart when it came to animals. From raising labs to having Patsy the racoon, and even having a ferret. There were always four-legged friends running around.
Anyone that knew Joe, knows his love for cooking. He would spend days in front of the smoker, smoking his brisket, and hours over the stove making his famous Gumbo. His favorite times were when all of the family would come down for his good cookin’ and fellowship.
Joe was strong, he fought for the life he loved and was proud of it. He never met a stranger and was an honest man. Joe, go rest high on that mountain, cause’ son your work on this Earth is done. Go to Heaven a shoutin’ love for the father and the son. Until we see you again.
Visitation: Thursday, April 25, 2019 Walker & Walker Funeral Home 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Service: Friday, April 26, 2019 Our Acres Cemetery, Elkhart,TX 10:30 AM