In Memoriam: Joe Smith
March 31, 1948 – February 15, 2020
Retired firefighter Lt. Joe Smith answered his “Last Alarm” and took his last ride to Union Hall on Engine 18 as he was remembered by his fellow firefighters on his birthday March 31. In keeping with the motto “remembering our brothers who have answered their last alarm,” Joe was honored in the first outdoor memorial service conducted by the Jacksonville Retired Firefighters Association. The service, officiated by Mick Tyson, was held at Stockton Park in Ortega, a place where the amateur photographer liked to visit and take photos. In addition to family members, friends, his wife Andra (Leonard) and daughter Joy Smith, there were over 50 retired firefighters in full uniform in attendance, a bagpipe salute, a bugler playing taps, a color guard and presentation of the American flag to his wife of 50 years whom he met in junior high school at John Gorrie and married at Murray Hill Methodist Church in 1971, the same year he joined the Jacksonville Fire Department.
Dr. Percy Golden, Chaplain of the Fire and Rescue Department conducted the service and remarked on Joe’s thirty- two years of service to the community. He said that Joe was well thought of by the people he worked with and went into dangerous neighborhoods and situations. Andra, a retired nurse from St. Vincent’s said that he never talked about anything regarding his work until he retired 20 years ago although fellow firefighters remarked that “his most memorable fires were like so many other members- the Triangle Fire and the Stewart Petroleum Fires.”
Andra mentioned that Joe was generous to a fault. He helped a young fireman build a house, helped a lot of people out financially, even taking in an elderly man who had lived with his parents and then lived with Andra and Joe for over 20 years.
In addition to his service as a firefighter the hard- working Smith was in the National Guard 146th Signal Battalion in Jacksonville, owned a cabinet shop, B and J Contractors, and at one time owned the Waycross Speedway and a Dairy Queen on Roosevelt Boulevard. He delivered drinks for RC Cola while a student at Robert E. Lee High School (class of 1966) where he was an athlete who played football, basketball and ran track setting a state record in low hurdles and taking two gold medals in his 10th and 11th grade year. Unfortunately, a broken foot his senior year ended his athletic competitions.
After his retirement from the Fire Department Joe stayed busy with his remodeling business and hobbies – hunting, fishing, photography and with Anda, taking care of their numerous dogs, cats, raccoons and possums on their two plus acres in Murray Hill.
After his last ride from Stockton Park to Union Hall on a fire engine, friends and family gathered to share stories about his life and contributions to the Fire Department. It was noted that he was active in the union and worked to secure life jackets for firemen who had to respond in boats as well assisting with re- doing the rules and regulations of the widow’s fund.
Joe’s “Last Alarm” has been answered and noted with respect by his friends family and peers.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading... 
