Joe Donald Smith

Lifelong resident of Diboll, Joe Donald Smith, age 90, died on Sunday, May 26, 2019. Joe Donald worked for almost 50 years for Temple, as a company electrician and then as a foreman in the saw mill. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Diboll. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed collecting coins and clocks. During his retirement years he loved visiting with friends at Pouland’s Round Table and watching golf tournaments on television, even though he never played a single round of golf.

Joe Donald was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of almost 70 years, Emma Lee (James) Smith; parents, Henry Lon and Alma Smith; brother, L. D. Smith; and sisters, Vivian (Smith) Warner and Marguerite (Smith) Chapman.

He is survived by his two sons, Joe Henry Smith (Diane) and Bill Smith; grandchildren, Joe Henry Smith, Jr. (Alisha) and Michael Smith (Melinda); four great-grandchildren, Hannah Cook, Brianna Smith, Declan Smith and Brittyn Smith; one-great-great grandchild; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Graveside services for Joe Donald will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2019, in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park, with David Goodwin officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.