Joseph A. Smith

1944 - 2024

Joseph A. Smith

August 8, 1944 - April 2, 2024

On April 2, 2024, a beloved member of our family, Joseph A. Smith, returned to our Heavenly Father. He was born on August 8, 1944, in Asheville, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, John E. Smith, Sr., and Josephine A. Smith. He is survived by his siblings, John E. Smith, Jr. (Becky), Jacqueline S. Baldwin (Samuel), and Jane S. Youngblood (Garry), as well as his niece, Jeannine Cox and nephews Thomas Baldwin, David Baldwin, Michael Youngblood, and Jeffrey Smith.

Joseph enjoyed outdoor adventures; in particular, he liked hiking, camping, canoeing, and traveling to many parts of the country. He especially loved the American West where, for eight years, he lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. National Parks, such as Yellowstone, Glacier, and Zion, were favorites.

During his career, Joseph was an insurance adjuster and workers' compensation claims specialist. Joseph retired in 2006 from America International Group (AIG) and moved to Hendersonville, NC, where he dedicated many hours to church service. Earlier in his life, Joseph served a two-year church mission in North and South Dakota. He devoted many hours to family history research while living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Later, his service included callings in the Young Men's Organization, Sunday School, and a calling to serve for three years in the Micronesian Branch in Asheville, NC. After moving to Hickory in 2018 to be closer to family, he volunteered in the community, including time serving at the Soup Kitchen in downtown Hickory. He always loved helping others. He followed the admonition of the Apostle Paul in doing good to all men.

A memorial service for Joseph A. Smith is planned for 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 4065 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601.