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Joseph "Joe" Edwin
Smith
Nov 17, 1931 — Oct 2, 2023
Joseph (Joe) Edwin Smith passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023, in Richland WA at the age of 91, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Joe was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Joe was born to James Robert and Margaret Smith on November 17, 1931, in Farwell, Texas. They moved to the Tri-Cities in 1949.
In 1950, Joe met Lorraine Taylor. They married in 1952. Their first child, Michael, was born in 1954. Shortly after, Joe was deployed to Korea. He served 2 years in the Army before being honorably discharged. They then when on to have 4 more children. Terry, Deena, Christi and Lorra.
Joe was a loyal servant to God, first and foremost. He loved the church and sharing God's word with as many people as possible. He was a part of the Kennewick Baptist Church and he and Lorraine went on to help establish several other Baptist Churches, which was one of his greatest joys. After being baptized together, they remained faithful servants.
Joe was one of the kindest souls you could ever meet. He was a gentle, giving man who worked tirelessly to ensure that his family had everything they needed. He faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage. He was a true role model to his children, and grandchildren who will always look up to him and remember his love, his amazing sense of humor and his willingness to help, no matter the task.
Throughout his life, Joe worked as a dry wall contractor, apartment manager and co-managed with Lorraine retirement and assisted living homes.
He was highly skilled in his profession and took great pride in his work. He was also a passionate craftsman in restoring antique cars to their former glory. Something that brought him great joy and a sense of accomplishment well into his senior years.
He loved country music and his cowboy boots. He used to sneak new boots in so Lorraine wouldn't know until months later.
Joe joins his mother Margaret, father James Robert, brothers J.R., Jack, and Jerry. Sisters, Margaret McIntyre, Maureen Clement and Dorcas Crane. Granddaughter, Lacey Belliston.
He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Lorraine. Sons, Michael (Valerie), Terry (Becky) and daughters Deena Lewis (Keith), Christi Walsh (Jim) and Lorra Lemiere (Dan) as well as 15 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.
A Viewing will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremation, 9353 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick, Washington. Graveside services will be on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 9:00am at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1401 S. Union St., Kennewick followed by the Funeral Service at 10:30am at Hillview Baptist Church, 1621 W. 27th Ave., Kennewick, Washington.
Friday
Einan's at Hillcrest - Kennewick
4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday
Desert Lawn Memorial Park
Starts at 9:00 am
Saturday
Hillview Baptist Church
Starts at 10:30 am
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