Joe Earl Smith Sr.'s Obituary
Joe Earl Smith Sr. was born December 24, 1944, to Jasper Smith Sr. and Lee Smith in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Joe was the fifth of nine children. Joe met his high school sweetheart, Ellanor Alice Smith, with whom he was married for 46 years until her passing in 2009. Joe was blessed to share the second part of his life with Beverleigh Ann Smith until her passing in 2017. Joe and his family moved to Tacoma, Washington in 1968, after he was offered a job with CertainTeed Roofing Company. He worked until the site closed in 1976. Joe then went on to work for Tacoma Public Schools as the lead Chief Electrician until he retired. Joe joined St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. J. A. Boles Sr. in 1968, where he remained a faithful member until his passing. Joe served on several committees such as the Board of Trustees, a part of the Men’s Department, and as the Pastor’s Anniversary Chairperson for over 15 years. Joe served in several departments including the usher board, the Men’s Choir, the Voices of St. John, and a counselor for the youth choir. Joe was honored as Father of the Year and Man of the Year. Joe organized the first softball team which included a Men's team as well as a co-ed team. He was a coach and team player for several years. Once Joe retired, he enjoyed officiating men’s high school baseball games and high school women’s fast pitch, watching his grandchildren's soccer games on Saturday mornings, as well as fishing. Joe would bless his friends and family with his smoked salmon, and trout that he caught. Joe looked forward to spending time at the Puyallup fair with his daughters and sister-in-law Billie, where they would sit for hours, people-watch, and eat corn dogs, scones, and elephant ears. One of Joe’s favorite activities was shopping for ties and suits. It was evident by his regular Saturday night text to his daughter Angela, "Which tie should I wear to church?". Saturday night, June 1, 2024, Dad put on his long white robe, and now we can tell his story of how he made it over. Joe leaves to cherish his memory his brother Jasper Smith Jr: children: Angela Wright (Clarence), Joe Smith Jr., Gemmerricia Osby, Lee Charles Magee (Gwen), and Kathy Magee; 14 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, godson, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper Sr., and Lee Smith, Ellanor Smith, Beverleigh Smith, Felicia Conroy, and Christopher Smith
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