Joseph Wayne Smith

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mr. Joseph Wayne Smith will begin at 10:00 a.m. on October 2, 2026 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home. Interment, with military honors, will be held at the Mississippi Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Newton. The family will receive guests for a time of visitation on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Smith, 54, of Meridian passed away on September 17, 2026 at his residence.

Joseph was born on August 31, 1972 in Meridian, Mississippi to Phillip and Marie Smith. In 1999, he joined the United States Navy and later joined the United States Army National Guard, honorably serving his country as a combat medic. He was injured on February 3, 2005 by an IED explosion, which killed one of his combat brothers, Sean Cooley. Only three people survived, Joseph, Stacy Ford, and Jack Walker. Because of his brave and honorable service, Mr. Smith was honored with a Purple Heart and a Combat Medic Badge. He was a Mason and a member of the Eastern Star. He enjoyed playing pool and a lover of classic cars and motorcycles.

He is survived by his wife, Leah Jane Smith; children, Amber Carlton (Slater), Andrew Smith, Alayna Smith, P.J. Polanco (Avri), Katherine Polanco, Kelli Smith, and Johnny Polanco; grandchildren, Wesley Carlton, Paige Carlton, and Rylee Smith; mother, Marie Smith; brother, John M. Smith (Lisa); and numerous other family members, friends, and combat brothers and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his father, Phillip Randolph Smith and one brother, James Alan Smith.

Pallbearers will be Winston Walker, Josh

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.