JOE MELVIN SMITH, age 93, of Winchester, departed this life on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at Elk River Health & Rehabilitation of Winchester following a brief illness.  Mr. Smith was born in Cowan, Tenn., to the late Harvey Sanford Smith and Lucy Jane Pate Smith on June 12, 1927.  Mr. Smith was a Baptist.  He was a farmer all of his life.  At one time he was employed at the former Wilton Corporation for several years.  He enjoyed working in his yard, driving a tractor and working on his farm.  He was an avid U.T. Vols and Tennessee Titans football fan.  He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his son, Rick Smith. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty Jean Smith of Winchester, son, William Smith and wife, Jessie of Winchester, daughter, Betty Jo "B.J." Smith of Winchester, brother, Rev. Leo Smith of Lexie Crossroads Community, sister, Mary Olivia Kirk of Harvey, Illinois, 3-Grandchildren; Jessica Oliver of Winchester, Johnathan Smith and wife, Kanoru of Okinawa, Japan and Jennifer Henley and husband, Michael of Winchester and 10-Great-Grandchildren.

Services for Mr. Smith will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, August 23, 2020, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services with Bro. Scott Jones, officiating. Visitation for Mr. Smith is scheduled for 12:00 noon Sunday prior to service time at 2:00 P.M. Interment will follow services in the Winchester Memorial Park.