Rev. Mr. Joseph H. Smith, Jr., wore many hats in life. He was born in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and was an expert marksman and accomplished outdoorsman; wood carver; and world traveler. He proudly served his country for thirty years and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force; a handyman; and insurance agent. In a role very dear to him, he was ordained as a Deacon for the Diocese of Fresno in January 2003; Joseph shared his deep and abiding faith as Deacon Joe to the parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy and St. Patrick’s Parish in Merced. Joseph was involved in his parish and local community in many ways. Among them were serving as the President of Life Underwriters Association; Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Third Degree; Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbia, Fourth Degree; Commander of the American Legion; Colonel in the California State Military Reserves; member of the Italian Catholic Federation; Veterans of Foreign Wars; and Disabled American Veterans; and founded a Prison Ministries program at local State and Federal prisons. His most recent employment was as an Insurance Agent for the Knights of Columbus and Fleutsch & Busby Insurance. But his most important role in life was that of a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Jean; sons and daughter-in-laws Joseph and Janet of Albany, OR and Stephen and Marilyn Smith of Modesto, CA and daughter-in-law Diane Smith of Cottonwood, CA; grandchildren Nick (Mercy), Jed (Tressa), Melissa (Ryan), Amanda (Davide), Christopher, and Parker (Shy); great grandchildren Seth, Braylon, McKayla, LanaLei, Charlotte, and a sixth soon to arrive great grandchild; and sister Patsy (Robert) Butler of Tennessee. He was pre deceased by his son Kenneth; grandson Joshua; parents Joseph and Minnie; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. A Rosary will be held be held at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Church at 671 E. Yosemite, Merced, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Our Lady of Mercy School, 1400 East 27th Street, Merced, CA 95340. A private burial will follow.
