Ralph "Joe" Smith

November 14, 1926 - February 16, 2014

Ralph Joseph “Joe” Smith, 87, of Callahan passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2014 at the Acosta Rua Center of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. He was born November 14, 1926 in Roanoke, Virginia to Rev. Benjamin Franklin and Georgia Edens Smith. He served in the US Navy and worked as a merchant marine. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother’s David Smith, Bill Smith and Frank Smith and sisters Virginia Smith Pooler and Mary Smith Monk. He is survived by his wife Ruby A. Smith of Callahan, one son Joseph (Jannie) Smith of Texas and one daughter Alexis A. (Floyd E.) Hamilton of Pennsylvania. One sister, Ruth (Robert) Crane of Yulee; Grandsons Paul (Heidi) Hamilton, Ralph Joseph (Kristi) Smith and Benjamin Leota Smith; granddaughters Senior Chief, Medical Corp, US Navy Kellie Hamilton (Kristen) and Melissa (Aaron) Patton; great-grandchildren Wyatt, Kaylee, Hunter, Hayden, Cayden, David and Avery, several nieces, nephews and extended family members and his beloved dog Tucker. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 18 at 2:00pm with Rev. David D. Smith officiating, at Callahan Funeral Home. Visitation preceded the services. Burial followed in Jones Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Community Hospice of NE Florida in his memory. Condolences may be expressed at www.callahanfh.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ellis and Charlotte McAninch. Callahan Funeral Home, Inc., 617365 Brandies Ave. Callahan, Fl. 879-2336.