Joseph A. Smith Jr. D.D.S.

joseph smith

March 26, 1937 ~ July 7, 2023

Born in: Taylorville, Illinois
Resided in: Taylorville, Illinois

Joseph A. Smith, Jr. D.D.S., 86, of Taylorville, passed away at 5:58 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023, at his residence.

Joe was born March 26, 1937, in Taylorville, the son of Joseph A. and Della J. (Zigman) Smith.  As a young boy he worked as a paperboy, delivering to half of Taylorville.  Joe excelled at paper throwing which led to him entering and winning the State of Illinois Newspaper Throwing Contest.  He graduated from Taylorville High School with the class of 1955 and went on to complete his bachelor’s degree at St. Louis University, where he was a member of the Air Force ROTC.  Joe enjoyed ROTC so much he served in the Army Reserves for nearly 30 years and retired as a colonel.

Joe married Janet G. Cochran on May 7, 1966, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville.  They enjoyed 57 years of marriage.  Joe graduated from dental school at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  He was a partner in Mid-Illinois Dental Associates for 57 years, retiring at the age of 82.  Joe was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and served as the basketball coach at St. Mary School for 30 years.  He was a trombonist in the Taylorville Municipal Band for nearly 70 years, and a member of the American Cancer Society and Knights of Columbus Post #2120 in Taylorville.  Joe was also a past member of the Taylorville Country Club, where he was an avid golfer.  His passion was gardening and landscaping his yard, and he was a University of Notre Dame and St. Louis Cardinals fan.  In his later years, Joe was an exceptional caregiver for his wife, and he will be remembered for his generosity and random acts of kindness to others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Joseph Smith; granddaughter, Samantha Elizabeth Brahler; and brother, Dr. Edward A. Smith.

Joe is survived by his wife, Janet G. Smith of Taylorville; children, Mary Elizabeth Smith of Scottsdale, AZ; Peter (wife, Charlotte) Smith of Bowling Green, KY; Katie (husband, Trevor) Sample of Edinburg; Matthew (wife, Colette) Smith of Scottsdale, AZ; Margaret (husband, Alan) Southard of Grosse Pointe, MI; and Joe (wife, Kirstyn) Smith of Bowling Green, KY; grandchildren, Paetra (husband, Cory) Smith, Demetria Smith, Andrew Sample, Camden Sample, Adella Southard, Ian Southard, Olivia Smith, Anabelle Smith, and Ezekiel Smith; sister, Teresa (husband, Donald) King of Huntley; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 108 W. Adams Street, Taylorville, IL 62568.

Funeral Mass: 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Piotr Kosk as celebrant.

Interment will follow the funeral mass at Fraley Cemetery in Taylorville.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Mary School, 422 S. Washington Street, Taylorville, IL 62568.

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Joe, or to offer condolences to his family.

Services

Visitation: July 14, 2023 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

St. Mary's Catholic Church
108 W. Adams St.
Taylorville, IL 62568


Mass of Christian Burial: July 15, 2023 9:00 am

St. Mary's Catholic Church
108 W. Adams St.
Taylorville, IL 62568


Interment: July 15, 2023 10:30 am

Fraley Cemetery, Taylorville

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Joseph A. Smith 's name.

St. Mary School

422 S. Washington St.
Taylorville, IL

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Light a CandleJoe is a friendly cousin who accomplished much in life! Dedicated, care for family, friends, and clients, proud of parents and his upbringing were all very evident in conversations I had with him. The distance complicated knowing each other better, but I know he was a very good person. God, your new heavenly resident will make heaven more saintly ❤️

  2. Light a CandleI was a dormmate of Joe’s at St. Louis U. I last saw him at the class of ’59’s fiftieth reunion. He hadn’t changed a bit from our college days. Everyone liked Joe; he always had a big smile and friendly greeting for everybody he encountered. I know he was a great family man and a great dentist. He also was heck of ping-pong player! Rest in peace, old friend.

  3. Light a CandleWe were Dr Smith’s patients for 47 years – he looked that up the last time we were there! Took our 5 kids to him also. He was a humble, genuine and kind man! We are so sorry for your loss. We are thankful for his great service over the years!

  4. Light a CandleThoughts and prayers to you all from our family, such wonderful memories of Dr Smith! 🙏🏻💙

  5. Light a CandleDr. Smith was a gem! He has taken care of our family for years. Three of our children played in muni with Doc. My son Joseph and Dr Smith really enjoyed eachother, and joked around. He always spoke of his family. Dr Smith will be missed. Prayers for your family.
    Sincerely, Jim and Kandy Andruch


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