Joseph Nelson Smith, Sr. “Joe”, 75, of Wilmington, N.C. died December 15, 2024. Joe was born in Brunswick County on July 11, 1949, to the late Bryan Robert Smith, Sr. and Jacqueline Bennett Smith of Longwood, NC.

Joe was a 1967 graduate of Waccamaw High School in Ash, NC.  Following college studies and training, he had a career at General Electric, retiring after over 30 years of service.  At General Electric he was known as a beloved foreman and was referred to as a dedicated employee and co-worker.  His fellow co-workers said he had a strong work ethic, and you could always rely on him to get the job done.  After retirement, Joe was owner-operator of PJ’s Handyman Services. His work was known to be top of the line.  

Joe was also proud to be called PJ and Papa Joe. He loved all of his grandchildren immensely. When needed, he gladly took the job of “Grand-Sitter”.  Joe loved Sports.  He served as a basketball coach at Wilmington Christian Academy and during his time coaching there led several teams to win basketball Championships.

He encouraged and supported his children’s participation in youth sports as well. He was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and SC Gamecocks.  Joe was known for his jovial attitude and his zest for life.  He believed you should live life to the fullest and was quick to help and uplift those in need. His absence leaves a void in our hearts, but his impact on the lives he touched is everlasting.

In addition to his father, Bryan R. Smith, Sr., Joe is predeceased by his grandfathers, Sicero Smith and Nelson Bennett; Grandmothers, Edna Lee Bennett and Bessie Smith; Uncles, Horace Smith,Nelson Tate Bennett, Sr., Boyd Kannady, Ernest Rosa and David Dawson; Aunts, Dora Kannady, Isolene Rosa, and Maggie Smith.

Joe is survived by his life companion, Barbara Coley; mother, Jacqueline Smith: his children, Joseph Nelson Smith, Jr. (Karen), Robert Benjamin Smith,  Kimberly L. Allen (Chris); grandchildren, Hailey Smith, Jackson Smith, Carter Smith, Aydan Allen, Wesley Allen, Isabelle Allen; brothers, Bryan R. Smith, Jr. (Carolyn), Samuel C. Smith (Orbie); sister, Leanne Smith Altman (Gary); his children through love, Richard Coley (Asheton), John Coley (Carolena); grandchildren through love, Liam Coley, Sloane Coley, Jude Coley; two special aunts, Mary Zillah Dawson, Iris Chestnutt Bennett; special mother in-love, Betty Coley of Raleigh, NC, along with a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Friendship Baptist Church, 2546 Ash Little River Road Northwest, Ash, NC with the Reverend Mark Register officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 pm prior to the service.