Joseph Wesley Smith was Joe to most but “Big Joe” to his grandchildren and great grandchild. A native Chattanoogan , he was born on January 9, 1933. He was a 1951 graduate of Chattanooga Central High School where he met and married Patty(Pat) Ruth Gossett when they were only seventeen.
Joe was an excellent and supportive husband to his wife Pat of 71 years. He was also a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather.
After serving four years in the U.S. Navy as an engineman on the USS PC 1263 during the Korean War, he returned to Chattanooga. Joe attended the University of Chattanooga earning a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering , graduating with honors ( in three years) in 1957. While at U.C., Joe co-oped at Combustion Engineering and was hired by them after graduating. He received the first Distinguished Alumni Award for Engineering from UC. He worked for C.E. for 33 years before retiring in 1990 as manager of Welding Engineering. His job as a metallurgist troubleshooter took him to many places around the world that most couldn’t even imagine visiting. He was a two term Welding Society President .
Joe could build or repair most anything… his house, a sailboat, a violin, to name a few. He was the smartest man in the room with the driest wit. He had an “adversity builds character “ and “if it was easy, everyone would be doing it” philosophy of life. Joe was the most “productive” person on earth with many interests. In 1980, he earned his private pilots license. He loved music and was a student of the trumpet and learned to play the violin when he retired.
In retirement, he lovingly supported his Grands in their endeavors . A highlight of his life was listening to grandson Joe, an accomplished pianist, play the piano: watching grandson Jack play baseball : attending granddaughter Brooke’s dance performances. When he became unable to attend events, he enjoyed videos and hearing about great granddaughter Isabella’s academics and dance performances . He was their biggest fan.
As a member of St. John United Methodist Church since 1960, he served in many capacities. He served as a church Trustee Chairman , volunteered and helped with many maintenance and physical improvement projects. He also assisted Pat with many UMW events and fundraisers. Until his health decline, he was a longtime member of the Joy Sunday School Class which he enjoyed immensely.
The family members he left behind, on June 27th, 2022, are his wife, Pat; son, Dr. Robin Smith (Vickie); daughters Beth Phillips (Johnny) and Tricia Julian (Ken); Grandchildren Brooke Moore (Andy), Joe Julian, and Jack Julian ; great granddaughter Isabella Moore. Big Joe will be reunited in heaven with his granddaughter, Jordan Leigh Julian.
Emmett and Lela Belle Smith , his parents and Margie Patterson, sister, preceded him in death.
The family has requested that any memorial contributions be made to St. John United Methodist Church or Hearth Hospice.
A Military graveside service will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Carl Blackburn will be officiating.
Heartfelt thanks to Ann, Deborah, Tina, and Trina for lovingly caring for our Dad.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
