Joe Willie Smith, was born to the late Bazzell, Sr. and Emma Smith on July 4, 1930. He was reared and attended school in Athens, Georgia, where he played football and boxed in his youth. In 1949, Joe met and married Sarah Viola Clark. In Athens Joe and Sarah bore one son and two daughters. Joe and Sarah moved to Baltimore in 1957, where they gave birth to three more daughters. While in Baltimore, Joe gained short term employment at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard and through the municipal government, working at Clifton Park. Joe retired from a liquor distributorship, Reliable Liquors in 1993 after 20 years of service. Joe was baptized and received the right hand of fellowship at First Mount Olive Free Baptist Church in the 1980's where he led family members and friends to join the church as well. Joe enjoyed life to the fullest, having family parities and cookouts in the summer. Being born on the fourth of July, dad would joke, "the whole country celebrates my birthday." Joe also enjoyed watching football and baseball from his recliner and with friends and family. After retirement, Joe especially enjoyed traveling, visiting Bermuda, Las Vegas, Miami, New Orleans, Myrtle Beach and returning to his hometown of Athens, GA to see family and friends there. Next to God, Joe loved his family more than anything. He would always say, "I'm God's boy". After a brief illness, Joe went to his Father on November 17, 2013. Bless his soul. His legacy continues through, Joe Edward Smith, Jacqueline Smith-Colvin, Barbara Smith-Langley, Cynthia Diane Smith, Yvonne Smith, Denise Lorraine Smith, Lisa Chambers, and Michelle Chambers; Joe has 11 grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren. He leaves behind to cherish his fond memories, brothers, Bazzell Smith Jr., of Detroit, MI, Walter Richard Smith and Ralph Smith of Athens, GA; sisters, Nina Thomas of Athens, GA and Alta Marie Jones of Duluth, GA and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends for many years including Mrs. Betty Chambers, Mrs. Jenny Brown-Nelson and Carl Cromatie and Terry. Loved ones preceding his departure include, devoted wife, Sarah V. Smith; siblings, Harriet Jean Smith-Sparks, James Edward Smith, Margie Parker, Catherine Smith, George Hores Smith, Bobby Edward Smith and Robert Smith Sr. Viewing Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Friday, November 22, 2013 03:00 PM - 08:00 PM Email Details 2140 N Fulton Ave
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Directions Funeral Service Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Saturday, November 23, 2013 10:00 AM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave.
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Funeral to begin @ 10:30 am Directions