Joe Millard Smith

Clayton – Joe Millard ‘JM’ Smith, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, August 7, 2023. Mr. Smith was a native of Barbourville, KY, born June 4, 1942, and the son of Ewel and Jewel Chance Smith; grandson of Joe and Clara Chance. He graduated from Knox Central High School as valedictorian at the age of 16 and studied at Eastern Kentucky University. Mr. Smith served with the U.S. Army from 1963 - 1966 in Vietnam and Korea.

Mr. Smith married Christine Marie Zdan-Smith and they were happily married for 39 years. He was an electrician by trade with Joe Johnson Construction and Watson Electric.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Christine Marie Zdan-Smith; children, Dawn VanSteen-Stokes, Shawn M. VanSteen (Tracy), Edward Smith, Timothy Smith, Jeremy Smith and Joel Smith; grandchildren, Jacob Kramer Stokes, Caroline Sophia Stokes, Evan Michael VanSteen and Landon David VanSteen; brother, Dennis Smith, Florence, KY; many nieces and nephews and special friends, Cyde and Martha McNew, Karen Gaddess, Libby Snider, Matt and Michelle Thomas and Cheryl Bradford from Transitions.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry Smith and Teddy Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.