JOEL (JOEY) PATRICK SMITH, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2020.

He was born on November 18, 1962 in Birmingham, Ala. to his parents, the late Barbara Cole Wilder and Thomas Wesley Smith. He was baptized of the Catholic faith.

Joey graduated in the class of 1982 from LR Central High School, where he was a member of the Tiger’s football team and played in two state championship games. After a couple of years at UALR, he enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country in the Desert Storm Gulf War, which he was so proud to do! He received The Army Commendation Medal while serving with the 141st Signal Battalion, 1st Armored Division deployed to Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Storm.

He was able to travel, see the world and tell stories of his adventures. After returning from military duty, he assisted and cared for, living with special needs men, in helping them adapt to independent living on their own with the aid of Arkansas Enterprises of The Disabled.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Bill E Wilder, grandparents, Larry and Lillian Cole, brothers, Jerry Smith and Chris Smith. Survivors are his son, Garrett Cole Smith and daughter, Meghan Nicole Smith, whom he loved dearly and were the joy of his life; their mother, Janet Easom; their grandparents, Andrea and Gene Easom; siblings, Tommy (Karen) Smith, Vickie Smith (Brett Lile), Mike (Terry) Smith; stepsister, Pamela Wilder; nephews, Tommy Smith, Jr. and Josh (Avery) Smith; and a host of cousins and friends.

A special thanks to his lifelong family of friends, Robert and Elizabeth Cortinez and family, and buddy, Brian Smith, for being there for Joey.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at a later date, due to Covid-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers and food, donations can be made to The Wounded Warriors Project and The Access School of Little Rock.

Joey…your mission is accomplished, a true Warrior you have been!

Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Joey’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.