Joe D. Smith

Joe D. Smith, 83 of Hoover, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Joe D lost his father at a very young age, so he and some of his brothers and sisters grew up in the Baptist Home in Troy, Alabama. Joe D spent 50 years in the insurance business with Colonial Life and maintained his license. He was the top salesman for the company in 1974 and was inducted into the “Hall of Fame” that year. He and his wife, Ellen, traveled all over the world through his accomplishments with Colonial, visiting Hawaii, Spain, France, Mexico and many other countries. Joe D’s favorite hangout for many years was Shenanigans, where he met many wonderful people who became lifelong friends. After Shenanigans closed, he was a regular of the American Legion, Post 134, in Homewood, AL, where he was a regular at the “Tonk” table. Joe D loved to go to the farmer’s market. He grew lots of tomatoes and gave them out to friends everywhere. He enjoyed smoking “Joe D’s” hams and Boston butts. He loved college football, especially Troy University where he played. Joe D also loved to fish with a Zebco 33. He never met a stranger, and was loved by many. He will be greatly missed by all. “Just one more.”

Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Smith; daughter, Debby Stewart; parents, Lessie Lee Miller Smith and Thomas Jefferson Smith; brothers, Frank, George, Percy, Johnny and Maple; and sister, Gladis. He is survived by his sons, Thomas Jerry Walker, Joel Drew “Bud” Smith and Charles Brent Smith; brothers, Paul and Tommy; sisters, Vivian, Mary Lou and May Della; and grandchildren; Scott Stewart, Melissa Gasparetto, Thomas Walker, William Smith and Lauren Smith; great grandchildren, Rece and Reagan Stewart, and Cate and Carleigh Gasparetto; and a host of other relatives.

The celebration of Joe D’s life will be at 1pm on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at noon.