Joe is survived by his wife, Carol Ann (Carter) Smith; his daughter, Jennifer L. Smith; his son, Matthew C. Smith (Misty); his grandchildren, Lillian and Samuel Smith; his brother, Charles T. Smith (Debbie); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe proudly served four years in the United States Air Force as a Chaplain’s Assistant during the Vietnam War era. Following his military service, he began a distinguished career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, retiring after more than 28 years as a Special Agent. He was a member of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI.
A lifelong learner, Joe earned degrees from Bellevue University and DePaul University and received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Louisville.
He was deeply devoted to his faith and community, serving as a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church and the former Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Joe was also a member and former minister with the St. Joseph of Cupertino Lay Franciscans at Mt. St. Francis, Indiana, and a graduate of the first Lay Ministry Formation class for the Archdiocese of Louisville.
Joe was a musician, an avid reader, and loved to travel. In retirement, he volunteered at Norton Children’s Medical Center (Brownsboro), continuing his lifelong commitment to service.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bernadette Catholic Church on Monday, November 10 at 11 a.m. with a meal for family and friends to follow.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Louisville Free Public Library, in care of The Library Foundation.
