Dr. Joe Foust Smith

NORTHPORT | Dr. Joe Foust Smith, age 72, of Northport, Ala., went home to be with the Lord December 13, 2014, at DCH Northport Medical Center, due to an unidentified viral infection. The celebration of his life will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2014, at First Baptist Church with Dr. Gil McKee, Dr. Scott Reynolds and Rev. Vial Fontenot officiating, and Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will immediately follow services in the Fellowship Hall.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carol Chalhub Smith; three children, Scott Smith (Jana) of Tuscaloosa, Ala., Shannon Stubbs (Jerry) and Chad Smith (Mandy) both of Northport, Ala.; five grandchildren, Landrey Smith, Chaynie Stubbs, Lakin Smith, Grant Stubbs, and Blake Smith; four siblings, Janice Nowell (James) of Milan, Tenn., Nancy Gay Wilson (Hoyt) of Lexington, Tenn., John Smith (Sue) of Afton, Tenn., and Judy Frazier (Jim) of Jackson, Tenn.; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Joe was born May 12, 1942, in Jackson, Tenn., to the late Avanelle and Robert W. Smith. Joe received his BS from Union University in Jackson, where he played basketball. He received his Master's degree from the University of Arizona. After teaching one year in Memphis, Joe coached college basketball at Shorter College in Rome, GA, where a beautiful cheerleader, Carol Chalhub, caught his attention and they soon wed. Joe and Carol moved to West Palm Beach, FL where he began the basketball program at Palm Beach Atlantic College. With young Scott and Shannon in tow, they moved back to TN for Joe to earn his doctorate of education at The University of Tennessee. The University of Alabama offered him a position as Assistant Professor in the College of Education's Health and Human Performance Department. He taught in this department for the remainder of his career, including his role as Department Head.
Joe had a passion for Jesus, family, research, education, coaching and teaching. He served as a role model to numerous individuals throughout his years. Students admired Dr. Smith for his honesty, integrity, gentleness and willingness to stand for Christian values in all circumstances. Joe has been an active member of First Baptist Church, as a long-time deacon, singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday School. For many years, Joe taught college Sunday School. Joe was a mentor to so many students, opening his home and office to them. Joe was affectionately known as ""Pops"" by his grandchildren and their friends. He attended every sporting event and activity of his children and grandchildren that he possibly could. Faith and family were the cornerstones of this life well lived.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jimmy Robinson and Northport Medical Center ICU nurses and physicians.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Condolences may be offered at www.heritagechapeltuscaloosa.com