Obituary for Joseph D Smith (CW2)Retired US Army

Joseph D Smith born July 6, 1944. In Montgomery County,

Texas. Jesus accepted him in his loving arms on January 6, 2022. He was surrounded by loving family at his home.

Joseph D Smith is survived by his wife Diana McKinley Smith, daughter Heather Smith, and grandson Tatum. Nephew “son” Tommy Womack and wife Becky. Brothers John Michael McKinley and Kenneth Patrick McKinley. He was preceeded in death by his Daughter, Candace Smith, Daddy William A Smith, Momma, Evelyn Lee Athey Walding, and one sister, Eldonna Smith Womack.

With a heart as big as Grandpa’s, there was always room for more, and he had become a “daddy” & “God-grandfather” to many nieces and nephews.

Time and space would never allow for listing all of the friends, family, and loved ones that Joe “Grandpa” loved so much. If he could send us all a message from the beautiful streets of Heaven, he would no doubt say “Ya’ll come on when you can! Me and Jesus can’t wait to see ya!”

Joe spent 20 years serving in the USArmy. He belonged in many elite groups. Three tours in Vietnam serving with LRRPS, 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne, 75th Ranger Battalion. He had such a love for God, family and country.

Known as Grandpa, Ranger Joe, to most all who knew him, as well as a host of “adopted” grandchildren, Joe loved to go fishing with family and good friends, working in his shop building and fixing things, and hunting, fishing and growing a vegetable garden.

But many times you would find him running on Bryan Beach, up until 2002. He moved to East Texas to be close to family. He had 30 acres to play on. Joe found a way to still get around being in a wheelchair then riding on his adapted tractor.

Spending quality time with God in nature was very healing to him.

Joe was a man of undeniable integrity, faith and character. After giving his heart to Jesus at a young age, he never missed an opportunity to share his love for God, letting his light shine to everyone he came in contact with. He was a man that not only spoke his faith, but lived his life to serve anywhere he saw a need.

Celebration of life will be The Memorial and Celebration of Life will be at Bryan Beach, Freeport Tx. on February 26, 2022. Saturday starting at 3:00. Ending????

Come&Go. The boat sailing will be about 4:30-5:00 pm.