Joseph Louis Smith was born to the late Annie Mae Robinson on Monday November 9, 1936 in Quitman, GA (Brooks County).& He was the youngest of three siblings Edna (deceased), Irene (deceased) and Ruby Jean (Miami, FL).

At the age of 3, Joseph and his family moved to Florida and lived in a place known as Sweeting Town, then later to Coconut Grove. Joseph left the Dade County public school system with an 8thgrade education.

Joseph joined the military in 1953 and by June 1959 he had served both in the Army and the Marine Corps, which had an everlasting impact on his life whenever he faced challenges, holding dear that he was a Marine. It was also during this time that he was given the opportunity to travel to Asia and Europe which also made an everlasting impact on his life. During his time in the military, Joseph earned several medals(the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star and the National Defense Service Medal).

Joseph would go on to attend and graduate from The Love of God Ministry Training Center on July 18, 1987. Then, in the early 90's, he would retire from the International Longshoreman Association where he worked on Dodge Island. A generous man, Joseph was known to have a"green thumb"and out the abundance of his garden, he would share all that he grew in his backyard with friends and family.

Joseph departed this life on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 1:56 p.m. His legacy will continue to be fulfilled by his wife of 50 years, Helen Elizabeth Smith (Atlanta), His eldest daughter, with Betty McKinnon-Whitehead, Avis Cassandra (Clayven) Miller (Miami); youngest daughter Kenya Alecia Smith (Atlanta) and only son, Tarik Mobolaji Andwele (Atlanta). His Grandchildren, Michael Clayven Miller (Sarina), Lashevia Nicole Miller, Imani Naima Andwele and Makeda Adesina Andwele. His great-grandchildren, Daisha Lissette Miller, Jamarr Riven, Treasure Riven, Christen Riven. His Goddaughter LaQuinda Rashonda Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews and many cousins.

Services for Mr. Smith will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 12:00 Noon inthe Sanctuary of the Second Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church (1184 Pauline Church Road)in Quitman, Georgia.

The Wake Services will be Friday, February 24, 2017 from 6:00 PMto 8:00 PM in the Chapel of Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, 301 E Green St, Quitman, GA 31643; Phone: (229) 263-4978.