Joseph "J.D." Smith, age 79, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Hospice Savannah.

J.D. was born in Savannah, GA.  He has lived in Richmond Hill for the past 30 years.  He was a member of First Baptist Church Richmond Hill where he taught Sunday School for many years.

J.D. graduated from the 146th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.

He worked for the Savannah Police Department from 1963 to 1973 and then worked as the Chief Criminal Investigator for the Chatham County District Attorney's Office for 36 years.  He served on numerous Police and Court Committees including 6 years on the Georgia Criminal Intelligence Agency and Chair Person his last year.

J.D. loved to fish and his family has lost their greatest story teller.

He is survived by his wife Diane Nease Smith of Richmond Hill; his daughter, Novi Harvey (Steve) of Charleston, SC; 4 grandchildren, Raymond Harvey (Brandy), Calysta Harvey, Krista Dorsey (Trey), and Ashley Smith; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

J.D. is preceded in death by his son, Joseph "Doug" Douglas Smith, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 21, 2023 at First Baptist Church Richmond Hill with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church Richmond Hill, P.O. Box 1390, Richmond Hill, GA 31324.