Joe Ben Smith Lived from June 7, 1956 - December 31, 1017 Austin, TX Joe B Smith left earth on December 31, 2017. We will miss his kind smile and warm heart. He left many friends from Cooper High School '74, with sorrow for the loss. Joe was proud of his ability as a mechanical engineer, inherited from his dad, and he was just crazy about drafting. Once he sent three seating layouts of a planned Thanksgiving gathering for our review. He worked for the City of Austin, Dow Chemical, Texas Parks Departments and other engineering firms. He loved his family and we will continue to feel his absence. He really liked being outside in nature, whether hiking in Washington state or having a beer and playing frisbee at Zilker Park. Joe grew up in Abilene, studied at U.T Austin (Two degrees and a 4.0 if remembered correctly), and spent fifteen years in Houston before moving back to Austin. Joe's family extended beyond just the six of us; James, Jerri, Mark, Joe, Carol and Wesley. His nieces Crystal, Emily and nephew Samwise were quite dear to him. With his grandfather - J.P., grandmother - Emma, and so many aunts, uncles and cousins, he lived, played and shaped his youth in the outdoors. Our neighbors back then were like family and Family meant everything to Joe. A quiet man, Joe preferred a small gathering of family and friends, usually engaging the conversation with his deep, hearty laugh. Joe's great big heart continues to beam love and acceptance over each and every one he met. His thoughtful consideration of this natural world and its beautifully intricate workings reverberate in us when we think of him. God rest his soul and bless us all. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, February 24 at 12:30pm at 6416 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752-4008 at Threadgill's ol' #1. We will gather for lunch and share stories, pictures of Joe, and talk about how he touched each one of our lives. A family graveside service in Moran, Texas is planned. Online condolences may be made at www.DoveFuneralHome.net Online condolences may be made at www.DoveFuneralHome.net In lieu of sending flowers, donations may be made to any charity of your choice or: To Benefit the American Heart Association https://donatenow.heart.org/ The Nature Conservancy https://support.nature.org/site/Donation2?10420.donation=form1&df_id=10420&intc=nature.tnav.button.donate&suslb=true The Kerrville Folk Music Foundation http://www.kerrville-music.com/kerrville-folk-music-foundation