Joe Smith

Heading: Joe K. Smith Dateline: Greer Joe Keller Smith, 81, of 106 Peachtree Drive, Greer passed away peacefully at his home on November 10, 2011 due to complications from Parkinson's Disease. Joe was born on August 25, 1930 in Greer to the late Dortcha Freeman and Hazel Keller Smith. He attended Greer Public Schools and graduated from Greer High School, where he played left guard on the football team of the legendary Walt Pinson. Joe then attended North Greenville Junior College, where the Editors of The Aurora yearbook voted him Best Looking man on campus. After finishing Furman with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Joe married his longtime sweetheart Patricia Ann Edwards on October 7, 1954. Joe served for 25 years in the 178th Field Artillery of the South Carolina National Guard, and was full time First Sergeant for a number of years. He retired from military service in 1969 at the rank of Sergeant Major. Joe was an active member of Greer First Baptist Church for over 50 years, where he served as deacon, President of Baptist Men, and Junior High Sunday School teacher. He was a member of the Greer Kiwanis Club, where was Kiwanian of the Year for 2000-2001. Joe also served with Greer Community Ministries in its Mobile Meals outreach for over 25 years. After brief careers with Life of Georgia, Credit Manager for Williams Tire Company, and the Army Guard, Joe found his niche as an entrepreneur, operating several service businesses in Greer and Greenville where he was known as “Mr. Joe” to his many customers. He reluctantly retired from his work in 2006. Joe's hobbies were family, work, church, community service, and enjoying football by television and in person with his friends in IPTAY. He was active in the Tryon Precinct of the Greenville County Republican Party and attended several state conventions. Even casual contact with Joe Smith left no doubt about his genuine Christian faith and his unique ability to find the humor in life. With a ready laugh and a bottomless trove of anecdotes, Joe’s personality drew you in. In Joe Smith's character, there was not a hint of guile. He was a sincere man of The Word and of prayer. Well done thy good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of thy Lord! Joe is survived by the girl he called "Patsy," Pat, his wife of 57 years, who to the end, tenderly cared for him with love, dignity and grace. He is also survived by his son, Oran Perry (Kristin) of Leesville, SC, his daughter Sarina Jo Snow (Jeffrey) of Greer and his daughter Heather Anne Weeks (Ben) of Greer. He will be missed especially by his six grandchildren, Stephen Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Courtney Snow, Rebecca Weeks, Margaret Smith and Abigail Weeks. Joe is also survived by his brothers Dortcha Smith Jr. and the Rev. Dan Smith, both of Greer. He was preceded in death by his older brother the Rev. Gus Smith. The family wishes to express their deep love and appreciation to the caregivers who keep him active and later comfortable in his own home: Kevin Gibson, Evelyn Durham, Regina Nuckols, Pam Messer and BJU students Kristin Hanson, LeeAnn Tune, and Rebecca Martin. A service of Christian worship of the Lord and Savior of Joe Keller Smith will be held at The Wood Mortuary on Sunday, November 13 at 4:00 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Rick Ezell officiating. Pallbearers will be Manley Bright, Ted Brown, Kevin Gibson, Danny Smith, Stephen Smith, Jeff Snow, and Ben Weeks. Honorary escort will be deacons and members of the Willing Workers Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 2:45-3:45 p.m. Sunday. A private family burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be sent in memory of Joe to Greer Community Ministries, P.O. Box 1373, Greer, SC 29652 or Palmetto Family Council, P.O. Box 11953, Columbia, SC 29211. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Joe Smith

August 25, 1930 - November 10, 2011