Mr. Joel Ervin Smith, age 75, of Mineral Bluff, GA passed away on Tuesday December 23, 2008 at his home following an extended illness. Born in Fannin County, GA, he was the son of the late Jess Burton Smith and Elizabeth Lula Swanson Smith. He was a retired block and rock mason. Mr. Smith was of the Baptist faith. He was also preceded in death by two sisters Annie May Bradley and Edith Wilson; brother, Billy Smith; one nephew, Anthony Smith.Survivors include two brothers, Gilbert Smith of Bridgefield, DE, and J.R. Smith of Arcadia, FL; two sisters, Alma Brown of Morganton, GA and Doris Ramsey of Mineral Bluff, GA; many nieces and nephews and a large number of relatives and friends.Funeral services were conducted Friday December 26, 2008 at 12:00 noon from the chapel of the Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge with Rev. Waylon Lovine and Ronnie Ray officiating. Music was provided by Connie Davis and Taylor Lents. Interment followed in the Jones Family Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Mark Alaimo, Robert Ramsey, Randy Ray, Kurk Smith, Joey Coffey, David Ray, Michael Ray, William Ray, and Jessie Smith. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.