Joseph Smith Obituary

URBANA - Joseph "Joe" L. Smith, 69, of Urbana passed away at home Sunday (Nov. 5, 2023). 

He was born Nov. 15, 1953, in Anna, the son of Robert Leon and Marylin (Kelly) Smith.

Joe is survived by his wife, Linda Smith. They were married March 1, 2005, at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.

He is also survived by his children, Kyle Smith of Boise, Idaho, and Patrick Smith of Chicago; three stepchildren, Garrett Bradley of Urbana, Justin Bradley of Nashville and Brandon Bradley of Adel, Iowa; three grandchildren, Alaina, Elliott and Blake (the joy of his life); a brother, Richard Alan Smith (Pat) of Seminole, Fla.; a sister, Patricia Lynn Oliphant (David) of Jacksonville, Fla.; a niece, Lindsey Holt; and a nephew, Nathan Oliphant.

Joe is a graduate of Effingham High School and the University of Illinois with a degree in civil engineering. He was the senior civil engineer for the city of Urbana for 39 years, retiring in 2014. The proclamation from the mayor reads, "He's an encyclopedia of knowledge of the history of the streets and projects within the city of Urbana." Joe was a long-standing member of the Institute of Traffic Engineers.

Joe's loyalty was with the Fighting Illini. He and Linda held season tickets for multiple Illini sports. His favorite event each year was NCAA March Madness. He was a talented golfer and loved the links. He was an active member of the Professional Putters Association and traveled nationwide to compete in the PPA tournaments. For many years, Joe was the director of the Stone Creek Golf League.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, also at the funeral home. David Oliphant will officiate. There will be a private visitation for the family prior to the public visitation. A private burial after the funeral service will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

Memorials may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.