Barbourville, Ky. – Joe Smith, Jr., 84, of Girdler, passed away March 30, 2021. Joe was the son of Creasy Grubb Smith and Joe Smith, joyfully born to them on February 28, 1937 on Acorn Fork in Stinking Creek, Kentucky.
Joe will forever be remembered as a loving husband, devoted dad, precious papaw and loyal friend. Joe was also a faithful Christian who loved being in service to others in need. He was a dedicated board member for more than twenty years for the Boone Height Pentecostal Church where he enjoyed spending time with his church family and worshiping Jesus. Joe valued being a hard worker. During his young adulthood, he left home in search of job opportunites. Joe became an Automotive Specialist for The General Motors Company, Fleetwood Plant, in Detroit, Michigan, retiring in 1986 and returning to his home in the mountains of Kentucky, after 30 years of service to the company. Joe felt blessed to be retired for as long as he had worked, allowing him more time to do the things he loved – spending time with family and friends, singing and playing the guitar, and restoring cars.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Creasy Grubb Smith and Joe Smith, and his first wife Genetta Long Smith Prater. Later in life, Joe was widowed again when his wife, Rebecca Lawson Smith, passed away. A beloved daughter, Gwendolyn Smith; three sisters: Gladys Stewart, Martha Morse, and Litha Brown; five brothers: Wade Smith, Westford Smith, General Smith, Alfred Smith and David Smith as well as one son-in-law, James Hensley (Teresa), also preceded Joe in death.
Left behind to celebrate Joe’s life is his dear sweetheart, Dorothy Warren; three cherished daughters: Teresa Hensley, Kim Smith, and Shanna Smith, and one brother, JL Smith (Cledith). Several Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great-Great Grandchildren survive Joe as do a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
The Smith family will receive friends at the Hopper Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, April 3, 2021, from 12:00 PM until the funeral hour of 2:00 PM. Interment will immediately follow the funeral service at the Smith Cemetery on Route 1304, Girdler. Pastor Charles Henson will officiate. Austin Thompson, Mr. Smith’s, great-grandson, will assist. Musical Tributes will be performed by friends and members of the Boone Height Pentecostal Church. The family has chosen as Casket Bearers: Travis Hensley, Craig Thompson, Austin Thompson, Braxton Thompson, Silas Bargo, and Anthony Deaton. Honorary Casket Bearer is JL Smith.
Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, along with the staff of Hopper Funeral Hopper Funeral Home, express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Joe Smith, Jr.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Joe Smith, Jr.
Social distancing requirements continue. Everyone attending the services will be required to wear a mask and remain six feet apart.
