Joe Charles Smith, age 80, of Trumbull, Texas entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.  He was at home surrounded by the love and care of his wife and family.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Norma Lee Smith; daughter, Melanie Wade and husband, Don; daughter, Melinda Spurgeon and husband, Jimmy; daughter, Lisa Robinson and husband, Dennis; grandchildren: Carl, Maribeth, Kristen, Kendal, Jonathan, Crystal, Jason, Chris, Alex, Sarah, Jake, Courtney, Joe, Hollie, Olivia, and Tory; and 21 beloved great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his cherished parents, Joe and Evelyn Smith, grandparents, grandson, Bradley, and many family members whom he loved dearly.

Joe graduated from Ferris High School in 1958.  He loved all sports, but especially football.  He was a Ferris Yellowjacket and played for the late, great coach A. D. Shores.  These memories gave him a lifetime of joy.  All the grandchildren were told, I mean knew how "great" he was.

Joe liked to share the story of how he met Norma Lee.  He was driving home from football practice in Ferris, when he saw the most beautiful girl walking down the street with friends.  As the story goes, she was wearing "short blue shorts".  He always said this with a laugh and a twinkle in his eyes.  They were 16 years old and she became the love of his life.  They were married on June 11, 1959 and they made their home in Trumbull, Texas.  Together they raised three daughters; Melanie, Melinda and Lisa, teaching them the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

After graduation Joe worked at Sears for a few years, then started his career as a truck driver for Central Freight Lines.  He retired from there after 35 years at the age of 59.  He and Norma Lee traveled the world and made many wonderful memories together.  There were many Colorado trips in the camper with grandkids in tow, filled with jokes and laughter.  Special memories were made and are greatly cherished.

Joe and Norma are members of the Fundamental Church Baptist in Palmer.  He loved and served the Lord faithfully.

Joe was a treasure to his family, he loved them well and was greatly loved in return.  He was a caring, kind, compassionate, strong man of God.  He will forever be remembered with a smile on his face and beautiful blue eyes.

The Smith family find great comfort in knowing he is finally home.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel in Palmer.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 3 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Palmer with Rev. Gary Miller officiating.  Pallbearers will be Carl Harper, Chris Bruton, Joe Robinson, Jake Spurgeon, Caleb Harper and Tripp Harper.  Honorary pallbearers will be Kristen O'Brien, Sarah Jenkins, Kendal Newton, Olivia Jones and Crystal Eddy.  Interment will follow in Smith Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go and prepare a place for you, and I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

John 14:1-3