Joseph Thomas Smith

Joseph Thomas Smith, 83, of Albany, GA, died May 15, 2012 at his residence. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 18, 2012, at Mathews Funeral Home, 3206 Gillionville Road. Rev. Leigh Ann Raynor and Rev. Nancy Scarbrough will be officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Committal services will be conducted at Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville, GA with Rev. William Collins officiating.
Military honors will follow.

Mr. Smith received a B.S. in Economics from St. Peter's College, a Masters in Education Administration from St. Michael's College, and a Ph.D. in Educational Management from Florida State University. Mr. Smith, a retired Marine Corps Lt.Col., and veteran of the Korean and Viet Nam conflicts, was decorated during military service by the United States and foreign governments. His awards include the Legion of Merit with Combat "V", the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and Staff Service Honor Medal. He is a graduate of the Naval War College.
In addition to his military service, Mr. Smith was a retired educator who taught at regional colleges and local school systems. His memberships included the local community action committee, Porterfield UMC Alpha Sunday School class and XYZ club, Golden K Kiwanis Club, Southwest Georgia Genealogical Society, Baker County Historical Society, the Southwest Georgia Retired Officers Association, the Marine Corps League, and the American Legion, Post 30, Albany, GA.

Mr. Smith, originally from Newark, NJ, is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gloria Parr Smith, his daughter, Kathryn S. Hanks and husband Jim, his son Steven P. Smith and wife Stephanie, and his grandchildren Ivy Hanks, Chad Hanks, Stewart Hanks, Davis Smith, and Collier Smith. He is preceded in death by his son Michael B. Smith.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Linda Cutts and Jessica Broner for their devoted care of Mr. Joe.

Those desiring, rather than flowers, donations may be made to Albany Community Hospice, 320 Foundation Lane, Albany, GA 31707 or American Cancer Society, 323 Pine Ave., Albany, GA 31701.