Joe Smith Obituary
OAK GROVE, LA
Cox Funeral Home
Oak Grove, Louisiana
OAK GROVE, LA - Joe Allen Smith, age 83, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Saturday morning, October 25, 2025, at his residence in Oak Grove, LA.
Joe was born in Delhi, LA on July 9,1942 to Edmond and Oma (McClendon) Smith and grew up in the Terry community with his three brothers.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Betty Ruth (Ferrell) Smith, of Oak Grove, his Father Edmond Smith, Mother Oma Smith, brothers- Edmond Smith, Dean Smith and Swanson Smith, lifelong brother-in-law, Leon Ellerbe and
nephew- Steven Ellerbe.
He is survived in death by his son, Kevin H. Smith of Oak Grove, nephews- Henry Smith (wife-Karen), Jimmy Smith (wife -Donna), Jeffery Smith and Niece – Lisa Ingram (husband-Randall), numerous nieces and nephews and lifelong sister-in-
law, Jimmie Lou Ellerbe Coody.
Joe graduated from Oak Grove High School where he enjoyed playing football. He met the love of his life, Betty Ruth, they married on June 5th,1965 and were happily married for 43 years until her passing on September 2,2008.
Joe worked for several years as the shop foreman at the John Deere store on Hwy 2 until he made a career change to an EMT/Firefighter at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, where he retired with 27 years of service. Joe was also a
charter member of the West Carroll EMS system, where several like-minded volunteers and he became the first EMT's in West Carroll Parish in 1977.
Joe was an avid hunter and fisher for most of his life and loved watching the LSU Tigers football/baseball teams and the Houston Astros.
Funeral services will be held at Cox Funeral home, Oak Grove, LA. on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 -visitation from 12-2 PM, Services at 2 PM, Internment in the Oak Grove Cemetery immediately following the services.
Pallbears will be Kevin Smith, Henry Smith, Jimmy Smith, Jeff Smith, Tony Phillips, Steve Dooley and Michael Calhoun.
Honorary Pallbears are Richard Ellerbe and Herman Ferrell.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite church or charity.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joe, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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200 E Noble St, Oak Grove, LA 71263
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