In Loving Memory of Joseph Benjamin Smith, Jr.
June 29, 1940 – November 1, 2025

Joseph Benjamin Smith, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 1, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on June 29, 1940, in Columbia, South Carolina. He grew up in Edgefield, SC and spent most of his life in Lake Wylie, SC.

Joe graduated from Clemson University, where he was a founding member of the school’s first fraternity, SAZ. He then served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. After his return, he met and married Janet Mangus and started a lifelong career in the HVAC industry. While he won numerous awards for his work, Joe was best known for his integrity, humor, and genuine care for others. He believed that a person’s word was stronger than a contract.

Joe also loved spending time with his family and friends, volunteering at his church, cheering on Clemson football, fishing, traveling, and simply sitting on a porch watching the mountains — content in the peace of the moment.

Those who knew Joe will remember him as kind, generous, funny, and loyal—a man of deep faith who cherished his friends and family. He made new friends everywhere he went and loved to make people laugh. His storytelling and sayings will be missed and forever cherished.

Joe is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janet Smith; his daughters, Angelia (Ray) Natili and Mar (Carl) Brettmann; his beloved grandchildren, Jaben and Tucker; his brother, Daniel (Cheryl) Smith, and their children Daniel (Stacy) Smith and Mary Ann Smith Crozier.

On Friday, November 7, a funeral service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held at All Saints Anglican Church at 5328 Hemby Road, Weddington, NC. Viewing will run from 12:30pm until 1:15pm. The funeral will begin at 1:30pm. The funeral service will be live streamed by the church (allsaintsweddington.org).  A graveside service with military honors will be held at 4:30pm at River Hills/Lake Wylie Cemetery at 105 Hamilton's Ferry Road in Lake Wylie SC. A Celebration of Life will follow and will be held outdoors in the Pavilion at the River Hills Marina, 54 Marina Road, Lake Wylie, SC. The family invites friends and loved ones to share their favorite memories and stories of Joe, as a way to honor a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, Joe requested that gifts be directed toward the relief and development work of the Anglican Church of Peru, where he made numerous beloved friends through his frequent mission trips. Donations may be made online (choose “Peru Mission” from the dropdown menu) or by check to All Saints Anglican Church with “Peru Mission” in the memo line (https://allsaintsweddington.churchcenter.com/giving). Checks may be mailed to All Saints Anglican Church, 5328 Hemby Road, Weddington, NC 28104.

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC, is serving the family of Mr. Smith.

Family Video and Funeral Service

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.