Joe Cullen Smith, 81, of Magee, Mississippi

Joe Cullen Smith, 81, of Magee, Mississippi passed away on December 29, 2023 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He was born on February 17, 1942 in Smith County, Mississippi.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Magee Presbyterian Church from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, and the funeral will immediately follow. Interment will be at Calvary Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Smith County, Mississippi. Bro. John Reeves and Bro. Dale Linton will officiate. Tutor Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements.

Joe loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Magee Presbyterian Church for many years, serving as both a deacon and an elder. He also loved his job, working at Entergy for 34 years. He took joy in serving his community and helping those in need throughout the country after devastating natural disasters. An avid golfer, Joe enjoyed spending time playing golf with his friends at the Simpson County Country Club.

Joe’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. While his kindness and gentleness left a permanent mark on them, his unwavering love and loyalty provided unmatched comfort and security for his family. His family would like to thank all those who comforted Joe during his illness.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Cullen Smith, and his mother, Bertrez Johnson Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Wanda Pettigrew Smith; daughter, Aimee Smith Richardson (Brian); son, Joseph Pettigrew Smith (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Chris Richardson (Taylor), Allison Richardson, Lucy Smith, Merilee Smith, Aimee Smith and Cullen Smith; great-granddaughter, Harper Richardson; brother, Tommy Smith (Teresa); aunts, Pat Smith and Cheryl Johnson; and many greatly-missed cousins.

Pallbearers are Chris Richardson, Charlie Hudson, Joe Blackmon, Blair Finstad, Hugh Jeff Hubbard, and Danny Payne. Honorary Pallbearers are Herman Walker, Joe Richardson, Sonny Bryant, Allen Osborn, Scott Wade, Tommy Meador, Paul Banis, Larry Cooley, Fred Lytle, and Steve Webster. Special music will be performed by Tommy Clopton, Melanie Banis, and Jean Stubbs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Children’s of Mississippi Hospital, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

MageeNews.com is an online news source covering Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.