Joe Smotherman

Terry Joe Smotherman, 76, of Hazel Green, Alabama, passed away on March 10, 2026, at home surrounded by those who loved him.

Joe was a devoted husband to Susan, a loving father to Cindy Powers, Chris Smotherman, and Kasey Lewis, and a proud Papa to his grandchildren Brianna, Zeke, Isabella, and Payton—and he was quick to spoil his great-grandchildren, Erianna, Braxton, and Hunter.

Born and raised with eight siblings, Joe was all about family, community, and a good story over breakfast with his buddies. For forty years, he ran Hazel Green Auto Salvage, always ready to lend a hand, offer advice, and serve others as well as he could. Hazel Green was home and heart for Joe, and he lived there with pride nearly his entire life.

Joe loved the simple pleasures: a good round of golf, an impromptu drive with Susan just to “see what’s out there,” cruising in his beloved 1941 Plymouth, Penelope, and a flash of nostalgia for the 1950s, including music, cars, and roller skating. He had a hands-on talent for almost everything: electrician, home builder, car mechanic, master fixer of things, and occasional dance-floor legend. Country music, long drives, and time with Susan filled his happiest days.

He leaves behind not just family but a community of friends who loved him. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and siblings John, Bob, Paul, Ezra, and Ricky, and is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings Peggy De La Torres, Roger Smotherman, and Grapy Hovis.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Hazel Green Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Harold St. Clair officiating. Burial will follow in Charity Cemetery.

Joe’s legacy lives on in the love he shared, the lessons he quietly taught, the smiles he inspired, and his belief that faith and prayer could help carry him through life’s challenges. He will be remembered fondly as a man who could do it all, loved fully, and left life just a little brighter for everyone he knew.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.