Elder Joseph Doc Smith, 89, of Palatka, answered his Masters call to come home on Monday, August 31, 2009, at his caregivers residence following an extended illness.

He was born Tuesday, November 11, 1919 to the union of Reverend Preston and Matilda Smith in Palatka. He was educated in the Putnam County School District (Central Academy). He was employed as a counselor for many years at the former Sunland Training Center of Gainesville. He was a former member of Refuge Church of our Lord, Palatka and was called into the gospel ministry in 1958. Doc was united in holy matrimony to the former Alice Ross in 1962 and they enjoyed 44 years of marriage until she preceded him in eternal rest in 2006. He has resided in Miami since 1962 and faithfully served the Lord through teaching and preaching the word of God, and singing praises unto the Lord with his beautiful voice. He has been a member and ordained Elder of the Refuge Church of our Lord in Miami for over 47 years under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Johnny Davis. Doc was preceded in eternal rest by his wife, Mother Alice Ross Smith and sisters, Annie Ruth Ellington and U.Z. Norris; brother, P.L. Smith, Sr.

Those who cherish his precious memories includes a host of nieces and nephews, including Evangelist Kenny (Judy) Ellington, Hastings; Leroy Ellington, Jr., Robert Lee Ellington, Clifford Ellington, all of Palatka; Rev. Dr. Patricia (Rev. Dr. Gary) Stern, North Chicago, IL., Dorothy Williams, Jacksonville; Claudia Smith and P.L. Smith, Jr., both of Miami; devoted god-son, Rev. Dr. George E. (Mary) McRae, Sr., Miami Gardens; caregivers, Cheral McRae-Hope and Constance McRae, both of Palatka and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and friends.

Local visitation of family & friends will be Tuesday, September 8th from 4-7 p.m. at the Chapel of Serenity with a Memorial Service at 6 p.m. Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 10th at Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, 1701 N.W. 66th Street, Miami, Rev. Dr. George E. McRae, Sr., Pastor. His pastor, Bishop Johnny Davis is the eulogist. Interment will follow in Dade Memorial Park, Miami. Friends may sign the Smith familys guestbook at www.flaggserenitychapel.com .
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel.