Joe Carl Smith

Joe Carl Smith of Laurel, MS passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at his home after battling bladder cancer. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Coy Smith; mother, Dorothy Almeda Blakeney Smith; brother, Dale Smith; daughter, Angela Elaine Smith; grandson, Logan Braydon Walters. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 ½ years, Barbara Faye Upchurch Smith; son, Dawayne Smith; son, Clint (Stephanie) Smith; daughter, Amy (Bryan) Walters; grandchildren, Chase (Katie) Smith; Hunter (Keri) Smith; Savannah Smith, Leah Smith and Anna Cate Walters; great-grandsons, Liam Braydon and Colin Isaiah Smith. He is also survived by his brother Garland Smith, sisters Elaine Hankins, Jane Polk and Frances Hodge and a host of nieces and nephews. Joe was born and reared in Smith County, Taylorsville, MS where he attended school in Mineral Springs and Taylorsville High School. He graduated in 1959 after focusing on Agriculture and Industrial Arts studies. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard where he served from 1959-1962. During these years he worked various companies as a truck driver and laborer until he entered the United States Army in October 1962. Here he obtained advanced combat engineer training and was promoted as a Sergeant and Squad Leader. Joe was called to 3 active tours overseas, 2 in the Republic of South Vietnam and 1 in Manheim, Germany. He served 9 years in the United States Army and received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the United States Army Commendation Medal, the United States Good Conduct Medal and many other honors. One of his highest honors was to stand guard at the funeral procession of President John F. Kennedy, Jr. in Washington, D.C. He was proud to be an American and to have served his country and God faithfully. Out of the military, Joe worked at various jobs using the many skills he had learned at home and in the military until he landed a job in the City of Laurel. He worked at Masonite in the chipper department. Then found his way to Amerada Hess as a diesel mechanic and truck driver where he retired from full-time employment. Joe and his wife Barbara raised chickens for 23 years for Sanderson Farms. Once retired he continued to work part-time as a truck driver for Walters Construction and RJ Walters Trucking. Joe Smith was an active member of Freedom Baptist Church in Myrick, MS. Joe loved fishing, hunting deer and squirrels, mostly. He was an avid farmer and gardener. He was known for sharing his crops with anyone who would take. He raised sugar cane and made syrup. He enjoyed working with his cows and mules. Playing the biblical dulcimer and psaltery was one of his most peaceful pastimes. The biggest joy of his life was his family. He treasured his time with family; loved teaching things he had learned and passing down traditions, and educating his children, in-laws, and grandchildren. He was a great storyteller to anyone who would listen. Joe loved and served his Lord and Savior, Jesus his entire life. He made it a point to show love and tell everyone he met about Him. He was a great man with a big personality and will be missed. If you ever met him, you are a better person for knowing him. Visitation will be Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home from 5-8pm. Sunday visitation will be at Freedom Baptist Church, 971 Freedom Rd, Laurel from 1-3pm with services to follow at 3. Burial will be at Myrick Cemetery, with full military honors. Brother Ryan Smith and Brother Rory Dill will officiate the services. Pallbearers are Dawayne (Bo) Smith, Hunter Smith, Butch Hankins, Matthew Nowell, Timmy Sullins and Rickey Barrett. Honorary pallbearers are Danny Adams, Donovan Smith, Vernell Watkins, Jarvis Pitts, Jackie Walters, Keith Thornton, Allen Walters and Larry Walters. Arrangements are being held by Memory Chapel Funeral Home. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Joe Carl Smith

February 25, 1941 - February 11, 2025