Joel D Smith

Joel Decker Smith, 84, died Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at his home with family by his side. Smith, born January 30, 1928, was a local plumbing contractor for many years. He was one of the youngest licensed Master Plumbers in the State of Florida, with his first job being The Flamingo Homemade Ice Cream Shop on North Beach Street in 1946. He was also an officer of PPF/UA Local 295 prior to opening his own business, Joel Smith Plumbing.

Smith was an avid fisherman and gardener, sharing the bounty of both hobbies with many. Flying was another of his early passions. A true southern gentleman, Smith was always willing to help others in a time of need. He was a quiet man with a subtle sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories of growing up in old Florida.

Smith is survived by his wife of 42 years, Gloria Jean (GJ). He is also survived by his children: Joel Allen Smith, Grace Lawhorn (Dr. Thomas) and Joy Smith (Mary Richmond), all of Tallahassee, Florida; grandchildren: David Scott Akom (Mary) of Deltona, Florida, Dr. Michael Akom (Dr. Julie Grosvenor) of E. Waterboro, Maine and Eric Smith of Houston, Texas; and three great grandchildren: Tessa Laurene Akom, Deltona, Maxwell Dean Akom and Calvin Joel Akom, both of E. Waterboro, Maine.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2012, at the Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach at 2:00 PM with visitation at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Halifax Humane Society, 2364 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach, Fla 32124. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach.