Joel Rowe Smith, 80, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on August 6, 2021 in Madison, Alabama.
Rowe was born in Huntsville to Joel and Odessa Smith on January 6, 1941. He graduated from Sparkman High School in 1959.
Rowe served in the US Army for three years then went on to work at Steven’s Oil Company for twenty years, Wilson’s Lumber Company for ten years, and Mount Zion Baptist Church for twenty years. He was a charter member of the Monrovia Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as EMT and various leadership roles including Deputy Chief. He faithfully served others as he spent the majority of his vacation going on mission trips around the continental United States and working locally with organizations such as CASA, World Changers, and Habitat for Humanity. Rowe also led local teams on disaster relief trips throughout the Southeast. He was a lifelong member of Mount Zion Baptist Church where he served in the bus ministry, led the Royal Ambassadors, taught Sunday School, and served as a deacon.
Rowe is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan Smith of Madison, daughters Audrey West (Terry), Pam Compton (Jeff), grandchildren Laura (Bhavesh), Connor (Maggie), Lincoln, Libby, and Matthew of Madison, as well as his brother, Wayne (Brenda) Smith of Harvest.
Visitation will be at Spry Funeral Home on Monday, August 9 12:00 – 1:30 pm. Graveside service will follow at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 2:00 pm with Reverend David Cochran of Mt. Zion Baptist Church officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Monrovia Volunteer Fire Department, 345 Mt. Zion Road., Huntsville, AL 35806.
