Joe Dee Smith, 72, died on August 12, 2014 at Asbury Place. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sharon Pratt.

Joe was born in Memphis, TN and graduated from Christian Brothers College with a degree in mechanical engineering. He spent most of his career in Salisbury, NC with Celanese Corporation and later became a marketing manager with the company in Charlotte, NC. After retiring from Celanese at age 55 after 30 years of service, Joe and his wife Beth settled in Abingdon, VA where he volunteered full-time for five years at Ecumenical Faith in Action. They later moved to Kingsport where they have been members of First Broad Street United Methodist Church.

Joe is survived by his wife, Beth Tate Smith, four sons and their families: Brian Smith and Laura Rencher; Michael Smith and Leigh Hall; John Jay and Lisa Tate; and Campbell and Jeanne Tate. Beloved grandchildren are Emma and Walker Smith, Isabelle Smith and Sean Tate. In addition, Joe is survived by two sisters: Sydney Graziosi of Cincinnati, OH and Nancy Lee of Paola, KS; two sisters-in-law and their families: Dianne Greene of Abingdon, VA and Judy Yost of Mars Hill, NC.

Joe would want to thank Drs. Butler and Shipstone and Wendy Vogel for their care and treatment. The nurses of Kingsport Hematology and Oncology became like family and he loved them dearly.

At Joe’s request, his body has been donated to the James H. Quillen School of Medicine at East Tennessee State University.

Joe has planned a Gathering of Friends and Family for Saturday August 23rd at 2:00 at Asbury-Baysmont of Kingsport.

Prior to his death, Joe wrote his own obituary, which reflects his spirit and the Smith sense of humor:

Joe Dee Smith, 72, born October 3, 1941 died on August 12, 2014 in Kingsport, TN. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Beth Tate Smith, who had to have been pushed into his path. His years with her were a joy and a growing experience.

In addition, he is survived by four wonderful sons, Brian David Smith of Milton, GA; Michael Alan Smith of Chapel Hill, NC; Campbell Byron Tate of Efland, NC; and John Jay Tate of Chantilly, VA as well as two sisters, Sydney Graziosi of Cincinnati, OH and Nancy Lee of Paola, KS.

All four sons are married to extraordinary wives and mothers. Together, they have provided Joe and Beth with four priceless grandchildren.

Campbell is named after one of his more distinguished relatives - C. Bascom Slemp and both he and Jay are secondarily related to the late actor George C Scott. Bless their hearts, Brian and Michael are Smiths.

Joe died a very happy man. If you feel so moved, please donate to your favorite children's charity. If your donation is near $1,000,000, please send it to Joe's grandchildren.