Joseph Lee Smith, 63, of Dover, died Jan. 28, 2010, at the Louis Stokes Veteran Medical Center, Cleveland, following a brief illness.
A son of the late Roy and Daisy Smith, Joe was born Sept. 16, 1946, in Massillon. He attended Massillon City Schools and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. For 42 years, he loved his career as an independent truck driver. As a coast-to-coast carrier, he had the opportunity to travel to all 48 continental states and truly loved the sights and places he visited. Being on the road for weeks at a time gave the hard-working Joe a deep appreciation for the family he supported. Upon arriving home, Joe loved to share in fellowship with his family and friends. Even on the road, Joe would often adopt a new family member, coming to the aid of another down on their luck by inviting them into his familys home and ensuring plenty of nourishment and comfort. Among his love for his family were two other beings. The first was his canine companion of 18 years, Dingo, and the second, his semi rig, Lizzie. Joe also enjoyed anything that went fast, be it cars, boats, or airplanes, he enjoyed being in or watching anything with speed.
Surviving are his wife, Marsha Marty Smith, whom he married in 1968; daughters, Tammy (Doug) Postlethwait of Stone Creek and Heather (Dennis) Verbarg of New Philadelphia; and four grandchildren, Dakota, Cheyenne, Hunt, and Daisy.
In keeping with Joes wishes, there will be no public visitation or services. It was his request that those who knew him celebrate his life in their own way. Cremation will be conducted through the care of Geibs Tuscarawas Valley Crematory, Dover.
Those wishing to do so may send the family personal condolences by signing his online register at www.geibcares.com. To follow entries created by Joes family journaling his life story and illness, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/bringjoesmithhome.
To make a donation in tribute to Joe, those wishing to do so may direct contributions to a family fund being established in care of Tammy Postlethwait, P.O. Box 72, Stone Creek 43840.
