Joe Wesley Smith, 80, husband of Betty Jean Stone Smith for 61 years, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

Joe was born in Gray Court to the late John Wesley Smith and Helen Louise Campbell Smith.  He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and retired from Laurens County Roads & Bridges.  Joe   loved racing and building race car engines.  He was the owner of Smith Racing.  Joe was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping.  He was also a huge fan of the USC Gamecocks.  Joe cherished being PaPa to all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Dianne Beaudin; a son, Michael Smith with wife Angie; a brother, Billy Ray Smith; a sister, Kathy Hurley; four grandchildren, Kevin Knight, Amanda Watts with husband Dedrick, Ashleigh Kellett with husband Kyle, and Amber Smith with companion Nick Caswell; five great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Carter, Laylah, Kaedyn, and Hollyn; and a special niece, Melissa Richards.  He was predeceased by five brothers, Robert Earl Smith, Claudie Smith, Haskell Smith, Cecil Smith, and Mack Smith, Sr.

A celebration of Joe’s life will begin at 3 o’clock Sunday at Friendship Baptist Church.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials in Joe’s honor may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 3436 Friendship Church Road, Gray Court, SC  29645.