Joseph Smith

Joe Smith, of Valdosta, passed away peacefully at his home on March 20, 2025, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his family. Mr. Smith was born on December 28, 1926, to the late Lonnie Smith and Audrey Lankford Smith Cone of Ray City, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 45 years Dorothy Smith, his sisters Mary Royal, Betty Lieupo and brother Jack Smith along with numerous in-laws.

Mr. Smith is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Beverly and Bobby Turner, of Clyattville, and Tootie and Johnny Lucas, of Valdosta; son, Lonnie Smith, of Atlanta; three grandchildren, Todd Coker of Branson, MO, Chad Turner of Bella Vista, AR, and Lacresha Bailey of Clyattville; four great grandchildren, Blain Coker of Madison, WI, Kyndall Coker of Branson, MO, and Rhianna and Ethan Bailey of Clyattville; numerous nieces and nephews and special friends Jerry Dees, and Jeanette and Gilbert Davis.

Mr. Smith was a member of Clyattville Baptist Church. He served in the Merchant Marines as a young man, then retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad after 33 years of service. He was a very hardworking man with a great work ethic which he instilled in his children. Mr. Smith was an avid outdoors man, loved hunting, fishing, car racing and the Atlanta Braves. He played as hard as he worked, having hunted and fished with most everyone in Lowndes County. He enjoyed many cookouts and fish fries. Mr. Smith had a great sense of humor and always had a joke for everyone. Please find peace in knowing he’s fishing with Jesus.

Services will be held at 11am on Monday, March 24, 2025, in the Carson McLane Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Wayfare Cemetery in Statenville, Georgia. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10-11am. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home