Joel Smith, age 37, formerly of LaFollette

Joel Christian Smith, 37, of Albany, Wisconsin, died Thursday, June 1, at his home. He was born in and lived in LaFollette until moving to Wisconsin several years ago. Joel was a talented musician and beloved son, brother, grandson and father.  He was a strong-willed individual with a quick wit and loving heart. He brought family and friends many laughs and smiles through the years. He struggled with drug addiction over the years and became a victim of the ever growing fentanyl epidemic. Joel was preceded in death by grandfather Larry K. Smith, former owner and publisher of The LaFollette Press.

Survivors include his son, Xander Smith, his mother, Amy Smith, brother Aaron Smith, sister Alice Strange, grandmother Julia Smith, aunts and uncles Cindy Card, Leslie (Braxton) Bohannon, Lara (Tilmon) Edwards and Heather (Chris) Packard. He was survived shortly by his wife Angela Smith who died July 3 after an extended illness. He was also survived by several cousins and many friends.

A celebration of life will be held Sat., Sept. 9, at the home of Larry and Christy Tanis, 203 Norris Bend Lane in Jacksboro. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. followed by a memorial at 3 p.m.