Joe Smith

   Joseph Michael “Joe” Smith, 47, joined the ranks of Heavenly Angels on Monday, January 31. 

   Joe was born on June 6, 1974, the oldest son of Louis K. & Susanne Thomas Smith. He graduated from Northeastern High School in 1993. He began working for Farm Bureau CO-OP and later worked for JD Radford. He worked 15 years with the Wayne County Highway Department, followed by 4 years at the New Castle Correctional Facility. He had worked the past 4 years in the Maintenance Department at Richmond State Hospital, where he was in charge of the Fire Safety Systems.

   Joe was a proud member of the community and was always active on many fronts. He served on the Wayne County 4-H Dairy Committee and always spent Fair Week in the barns. He was a patched IHSAA Baseball and Softball Umpire. Joe was currently serving as Assistant Chief with the Williamsburg Fire Department, where he was a dedicated Firefighter and First Responder. Joe was a fixture at many events involving Northeastern Wayne School, either as a proud parent or as a First Responder ready to render aid under the lights. Joe’s final contribution was keeping the score book of the 6^th grade Boys Basketball game just before his death.    

   Joe will be missed by his wife, Miranda Duvall Smith; daughter, Payten Jo Smith; sons, Jonathan Smith and Noah Duvall; Mother, Susanne Williams & husband, Mac; brothers, Bruce Smith & wife, Crystal and Mark Smith & wife, Amanda; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his many brothers and sisters in the fire service.

   Joe was preceded in death by his Dad, Louis Smith, in 1984. 

   Visitation for Joe will be from 4-8 pm on Sunday, February 6, at Lifespring Church, 5600 US 27 North. 

   Joe’s funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 7 at Lifespring Church. Interment will follow in Willow Grove Cemetery in Fountain City.

   Memorial contributions are encouraged for the Northeastern High School Athletic Department, 7295 US 27 North, Fountain City, IN 47341 or the Wayne County Firefighters Association, 198 West Northmarket Street, Hagerstown, IN 47346.