Joseph Lee Smith

Mr. Joseph Lee Smith, 77, of Mount Airy, passed away Wednesday afternoon, December 17, 2025, at his home. Mr. Smith was born December 21, 1947, in Surry County, the oldest of seven children born to the late Joseph Columbus “Joe” and Ida Vivian Joyce Smith. Joseph was reared in the White Plains community and graduated from North Surry High School in 1967. Following graduation, he served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Specialist Fourth Class (SP4) and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal in recognition of his service. Joseph was employed for many years in the warehouse at Renfro Corporation. He was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church and a devoted husband, brother, and uncle, who will be deeply missed by his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol Faye Shelton Smith of the home; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Wanda Gail Smith of Mount Airy and Joyce and Clint Harris of Goldston; a brother and two sisters-in-law, Jerry Wayne and Mary Smith of Hillsville, VA, and Kay Smith of Mount Airy; and several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Tammy Leftwich of Mount Airy. In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by three brothers, Jackie Ray Smith, Roger Dale Smith, and John Henry Smith. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Eddie Lowe officiating. At the conclusion of the service, military honors will be conducted by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM at the funeral home.