Joshua Paul Smith, formerly of Keysville, passed from this life on June 24, 2017 at the age of 32.   He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Melba J. Smith and Tina Maselli.

Josh, or “Moose” as many knew him, is survived by his parents, Rev. Ted and Sylvia Maselli Smith of Keysville; two siblings, Benjamin Smith of Rice, and Michelle Smith of Keysville; paternal grandfather, Tedd Smith Sr. (Marie) of Moneta, maternal grandfather, Rev. Aldo Maselli of Cranbury NJ; many adoring aunts, uncles; and cousins; and wife Melissa Daniels Smith. Josh is also survived by many admiring friends, colleagues and students.

From a young age Josh was a natural at mechanics. He repaired Granpa Aldo’s old lawnmower, a mini-bike, four wheelers, cars and pickups.  If it could move, Josh wanted to make it move faster.  Josh possessed a gift of diagnosing problems and finding solutions, with vehicles and people.  He had a deep empathy for others which came across in all his relationships.

Josh lived out his love of trucks and muscle cars in many ways. He and his best friend, Kevin Currin (Jessica & Scott) were partners in K & J Motorsports; an enduring friendship forged in mechanics school, demolition derbies and the Hornets Class at South Boston Speedway.  Josh was also long time mechanic for owner/driver Charles Barnes (Wanda) of Fort Mitchell (#64).  Josh shared his mechanical knowledge for many years as an Auto-Diesel Instructor at Southside Community College’s Diesel/Auto School at Fort Pickett.

Josh was a gentle soul who will be missed by family and friend alike. We look forward to reuniting with our Joshua before Jesus the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25).

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 2, 2017 at Ash Camp Baptist Church, Keysville at 2:00 p.m. with burial to follow in Ash Camp Cemetery.

Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SVCC Foundation/Josh Smith Automotive Scholarship, 109 Campus Drive, Alberta VA, 23821.

 

Condolence Messages

  1. Judith Vaughan

    27 June 2017 7 years ago

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers

  2. Doug Kemerer

    27 June 2017 7 years ago

    It was with great sorrow and sadness that I learned of Josh’s death. I still can’t imagine not seeing him at the school or in our shop. He was such a great guy and a good friend. Used to enjoy a few stories and laughs with him at work. He wasn’t always real talkative, but when he spoke he was always worth listening too. So young, and yet wise. He was a master technician in my life. He so willingly was so helpful on anything I had that needed fixing. He became such a part of the SVCC Technician team within days of starting there. But now such a large absence, I imagine that like myself the others feel such a loss and shock too! I am so sorry for your loss, . . Our loss. I miss his laugh already, and the jokes! (The smoke machine!)
    Please know that I feel confident, that the Lord knows him better than any of us, and it is with this confidence I feel he is with our Lord now, not because it makes me feel better, but because I knew Josh Smith.
    My prayers and thoughts have been with you since I first heard of his passing, and will remain with you each time I remember him.
    With my greatest sympathy,
    Doug Kemerer

  3. Juan Carlos Gascón

    27 June 2017 7 years ago

    Josh was a good ol’ boy! It was a privilege to have known and worked with him. He leaves an awesome legacy. The Occ./Tech center has lost two of the best people. Have a cold one with Willie in heav’n!

  4. Deborah Vereen

    27 June 2017 7 years ago

    Prayers for family and friends. Sorry for your loss.

  5. Bonnie Gilliam

    27 June 2017 7 years ago

    Sending sincere sympathy in the loss of your son. It is a loss that every parent fears, no matter the age of their children. Condolences to all his family at this tragic loss.

  6. Le'Tina Giles

    27 June 2017 7 years ago

    Dear Smith Family,

    I’m so sorry for your loss and pray for your continued comfort as you navigate this season.

  7. Bob Weeks

    28 June 2017 7 years ago

    Ted, Sylvia, Ben, Michelle and all of Josh’s family and friends – my heart goes out to you. I remember Josh well and know your grief must be great. I will keep you in my prayers.

  8. Rodnita Blackwell

    28 June 2017 7 years ago

    I’m so sorry for the family loss of a son, brother, and good co-worker. Josh was a super nice person and co-worker and I was glad to help him on the job if I could. Prays go out to his family.

  9. Dixie Dalton

    28 June 2017 7 years ago

    Sending prayers of comfort and healing to family, friends, colleagues, and students. Thank you, Josh, for the positive impact you made on our SVCC family!

  10. Donald and Diane Haley

    28 June 2017 7 years ago

    Ted, Sylvia, Ben, Michelle and Melissa. We are Praying for you all in the days ahead. God be with you.

  11. Kristy Elliott

    28 June 2017 7 years ago

    So sorry for everyone’s loss. Josh was a great guy and I will miss him and so will everyone that knew him. Now you can drive as fast as you want without worrying about anything. Fly high Josh.

  12. Thomas Santo

    29 June 2017 7 years ago

    Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead.

  13. Sheila Martin

    29 June 2017 7 years ago

    Sylvia and Ted, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear son Joshua. We are lifting you and your family up in prayer. May our Lord comfort you and give you peace during this difficult time. Our love and prayers, Sheila and Jack Martin

  14. Jackie Indelicato

    29 June 2017 7 years ago

    I still can’t believe Josh is gone. I know he is up in heaven watching over all of us and we will see him again one day soon. My prayers are with Missy and his family during this time.

  15. Brandie and Jeff French

    29 June 2017 7 years ago

    Our thoughts and prayers have been with Josh’s precious family and friends over the past week and will continue over the time to come. What a kind soul he was, taken too soon, but no doubt now rejoicing with our Lord! Sending much love and many prayers – from the French Family (Jeff, Brandie, Bradley, Bailey, Berkley and Blaze)

  16. Paul Spuler

    30 June 2017 7 years ago

    We are so sorry for your loss and words are so futile to express our deepest sympathy on this heart breaking loss. Praying for God’s comfort, grace and peace for all of you. Kathy and I send our love and prayers.

  17. Angie Marshall-Wilkerson

    30 June 2017 7 years ago

    There are no words to heal your pain. My deepest sympathies for your loss and pain. You are loved and the whole community is lifting you up in prayers.

  18. Carolynne Wolfle

    03 August 2017 7 years ago

    Dearest Sylvia and Ted
    I just learned today of your terrible loss. I know how much love you put into your son Josh. Linda Caccese broke the news to us. Our hearts are broken for you and your family. We pray that the Lord will comfort your heart and surround you with His love. This grief you feel will, in time, heal with patient waiting on the Lord and trusting Him. You are His child and He knows you are missing your child. Give it over to Him and He will lighten your burden. We are praying for you all. With all our love, Carolynne and Greg Wolfle and Family

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