Joel Smith, Jr. "Smitty"

Joel Smith, Jr. "Smitty" on August 13, 2020 at 2135 hours, Smitty took his last breath here on Earth and his first breath in the presence of his Maker. Zabdy, his wife, was there by his side holding him as she has done the past twelve years...always by his side. Smitty has a brand new body, complete in the presence of our Heavenly Father. His infectious laugh is now heard by all the Saints around him. He is probably complimenting and praising everyone around him, including Jesus!

Joel was born on March 12, 1962 in Ft. Worth, Texas to Lola and Joel Smith, Sr. Smitty graduated from Dunbar High School in 1980 and attended Tarrant County Junior College in Ft. Worth, TX to pursue an Administration Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

He met the love of his life and soulmate on Valentine’s Day 2006 during a Detention Response Team training for the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office. They fell in love and married on July 8, 2008 in San Antonio, TX. Their union was like no other, divinely favored by the perfect love of God. In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer their love continued to be strong…never letting go of each other. They celebrated their 10 Year Anniversary with a Phantom of the Opera themed vow renewal on March 17, 2018 at Oakwood Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas surrounded by family and friends.

Smitty accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized in 2009 at Oakwood Baptist Church. He was a member of One Accord Fellowship since 2008. Smitty loved the Lord and never missed an opportunity to share his testimony. Smitty was an amazing man that lit up a room the moment he walked in, and showed love and genuine caring to everyone he came into contact with.

Smitty worked for the Lubbock County Detention Center for 12 years. During those twelve years, he was a viable part of the Detention Response Team in which he participated in the Virginia Mock Riots along with other intensive physical training. Smitty was a Training Officer at the Lubbock County Jail and then promoted to Corporal. A few years later, Smitty was promoted to Sergeant and remained at the Lubbock County Detention Center until he retired in 2015. In 2013, he was awarded the Noble Man of Valor Certificate of Appreciation during the African American History Month by the City of Lubbock. Smitty had the calling to be an Officer, his commanding presence, as well as his negotiating and riot control skills were unparalleled. Smitty was a role model and dependable, even running to the call of danger in order to protect an officer in need of assistance. He was a very patient teacher to those recruits under him and led many to their law enforcement careers. Before working for the county, Smitty supervised and ran a multi-million dollar fast food restaurant, Long John Silvers in Ft. Worth, Texas for many years. Smitty also played thirteen years of Semi-Pro Football for the Cowtown Cowboys and Texas Rustlers, both teams based in Fort Worth. Smitty won multiple awards and certificates throughout his football career and most notably trying out as a walk on for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also competed in amateur body building for a several years.

Smitty is survived by his loving wife, Zabdy Smith; his six children: Calvin Smith (Ft. Worth, TX), Tiffany Smith (Phoenix, Arizona), Myron Beasley, Adriane Johnson and Alphonso Barton, all from Ft. Worth, TX, and Zabdy LolaRaquel Contreras Smith (Lubbock, Texas); 9 grandchildren: Treylon O'Neal Porter, Telisha Smith, Taniyah Smith and Aaliyah Jernigan (Phoenix, Arizona), Camilia Smith, Nadilyn Williams, Kyran Johnson, Peyton Moss and Cayden Moss all from Ft. Worth, TX; two brothers and one sister, Michael Lynn Smith and Heidi Brown both from Ft. Worth, TX, Patrick Smith and wife Broshell (Landstuhl, Germany), and his niece Nakita Smith.

Preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Antonio; his sister, Rhoda.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2020 at Resthaven's Abbey Chapel.

Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2020 at One Accord Fellowship, 6002 Avenue U, Pastor Sam Medina officiating.

Interment will follow Resthaven Memorial Park.

For your safety and protection, we kindly request everyone to wear a mask.