joseph mac smitherman

FAIRHOPE | Joseph Mac Smitherman, age 71, a long-time resident of Tuscaloosa who had resided in Fairhope since 2011, passed away while beachcombing at Bon Secour Bay, Saturday, August 16, 2014.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Nobles Smitherman of Fairhope.
He was preceded in death by his parents, former Bibb County Sheriff Glenn Smitherman and Mrs. Helen Hicks Smitherman.
Joe was a native of Centreville and a member of the Centreville High School Class of 1961. He served as an Alabama State Trooper from 1964 until 1981, and as an investigator for the Alabama Bureau of Investigation from 1982 until 1989. He received the Governor's Commendation for Exceptional Performance in 1989. During his law enforcement career, Joe was a member of the Alabama Police Combat Pistol League.
After his retirement, he raised quarter horses on his family ranch in Randolph, Alabama, and was a member of the Northport Riding Club. Joe served on the board of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of West Alabama for many years. He was honored with the Nancy Butler Memorial Award for 1998-1999 for the generous sharing of his time with the Miracle Riders equestrian therapy program for children and adults with disabilities.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made either to Alabama State Trooper Association Life Insurance Fund, P. O. Box 1286, Montgomery, AL 36102, or to UCP of West Alabama, 1100 UCP Pkwy, Northport, AL 35476, or to a favorite charity .