Joseph D. Smith, 81, died April 14, 2015.
Mr. Smith was born July 3, 1933, in Fort Myers, to Marion and Joe Stephen Smith. He graduated from Plant City High School. His 29-year U.S. Army career spanned from Hawaii, Alaska and the east coast to Germany, Greenland, Iran, Ethiopia, Greece and Turkey. After retirement in 1982, he taught at European Campuses of Central Texas College, later becoming director, and retired in 1993. After moving to Ocala, he co-founded the German/American Club of Marion County, serving as president for six years.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anita; daughter, Rosemarie Permenter; son-in-law, Tommy Permenter Sr.; grandson, Tommy Permenter Jr. (Marsha); grandsons, Toby Permenter and Jordan Permenter; and great-grandchildren, Kasey Permenter, Drake and Brodie Smith, Ashton Letts and Brantley Skeffington. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael.
A memorial service was held April 18, at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Humane Society.
