Joseph Francony Smith, 78 of Bowling Green, FL. entered into the presence of his Lord on September 19, 2017 .
A celebration of his life will be conducted at First Christian Church, 1121 Louisiana Street, Wauchula, Florida at 11:00 am. On Saturday, September 30, 2017 with Pastor Darin Canary officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from 9:00 am until the Memorial Service at the church.
A strong man of faith, Joe's personal relationship with Jesus Christ  allowed him to experience   the power and strength of Jesus' love and grace.  His devotion to family and faith extended to a committed, active membership at First Christian Church of Wauchula.  He and his wife served 10 years as team members for United Methodist Lay Witness Mission programs.
Surviving family includes his wife Ellen; children: Daniel Smith of Wauchula, Jama Abbott of Bowling Green, Jackie Stiles (Sid) and Quentin Jones (Heidi) both of Jacksonville, FL.; Grandchildren: Jansen Smith (Emma), Caleb and Cori Abbott, Nicholas and Emily Stiles; great-grandsons Stryker and Joe Nick; sisters  Claudeene (Cohen) Herron Jane (Gary) Moegerle, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Born May 22, 1939 in Bowling Green to the late Clifford and Josephine Francony Smith, Joe lived in Hardee County all his life, graduated from Hardee High School (1957) and the University of Florida (1963).  He worked for FMC Corporation Agricultural Chemical Division 28 years.  A citrus caretaker and grower for 35 years,  he owned and operated River Valley Citrus, Torrey S. Crest Harvesting and  The Citrus Store south of Bowling Green on US 17.
Joe had a real passion for serving his community: as a former Director of Hardee Chamber of Commerce, SFCC Citrus Advisory Board,  and Hardee County School Board 8 years. A local contractor, he was founder and president of Hardee Bridge of Hope, completing   building  projects for  injured veterans.  He served as a   Director on Hardee Habitat for Humanity Board, was a founding Director and past President of  Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association, and participated on various FL Dept. of Citrus committees.  A commercial pilot, Joe donated his time and plane to fly 5 years for AirLifeline  medical mercy missions. He will be dearly missed by those who love him, who celebrate the fact that Joe is at eternal peace with his Creator.
Please visit www.pongerkaysgrady.com to leave a condolence to Joe's family.