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ROCKLEDGE, Fla. — Dr. Joe Lee Smith, a trailblazing educator, mentor, and longtime Rockledge City Councilman who dedicated his life to public service, has passed away. He was 89.
- Advertisement - Dr. Smith was a towering figure in Brevard County for decades, serving 36 years on the Rockledge City Council before retiring in 2019. Known for his humility, faith, and lifelong commitment to education, Smith’s impact on generations of students, colleagues, and community members is immeasurable.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Born and raised in Cocoa, Smith graduated from Monroe High School before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Florida A&M University, where he also excelled as a baseball player. He later earned his doctorate in educational administration and supervision from the University of Florida.
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Smith’s career in education spanned classroom teaching, coaching, and leadership. He served as assistant principal at Cocoa High School, athletic director at Gibson High School in Titusville, and eventually as provost of all four campuses of Eastern Florida State College (then Brevard Community College). In 2000, he retired as campus president emeritus, though he was later coaxed out of retirement to continue serving as provost and college ambassador.
Rockledge City Council Legacy
First elected in 1982, Smith was one of the city’s longest-serving elected officials. Over nearly four decades, he held positions as council chairman and deputy mayor. Colleagues often described him as a mentor whose guidance shaped younger council members and left a permanent mark on Rockledge’s leadership.
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“I can truthfully and religiously say that I have enjoyed every, every year and day and minute since I’ve been on the council,” Smith said at his retirement announcement, drawing a standing ovation.
Community Involvement
Beyond elected office, Smith was deeply rooted in civic life. He founded the Central Brevard Recreation Association and served on the boards of the United Way of Brevard, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, Circles of Care, Rolling Readers, and the Rockledge Heritage Foundation, among many others.
A lifelong member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the NAACP, Smith was also a Sunday School teacher, motivational speaker, and mentor to countless young people.
Honors and Recognition
Dr. Smith’s decades of leadership earned him widespread recognition. Among his many honors:
- Brevard Community College Distinguished Service Award
- Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame inductee
- Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame inductee
- Brevard County Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame inductee
- South Brevard NAACP Lifetime Achievement/Living Legend Award
- Onyx Magazine’s Humanitarian Award
- Puerto Rican Taino Award for advancing the Hispanic community
Several facilities bear his name, including the Joe Lee Smith Recreation Center in Cocoa, the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Teaching Center at Eastern Florida State College’s Melbourne campus, and Dr. Joe Lee Smith Drive in Rockledge.
Personal Life and Legacy
Smith was married for more than 63 years to his wife, Altamese Edmonson Smith. Together they raised a family rooted in faith, education, and service. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who often credited his parents—despite their limited formal schooling—for instilling in him the values of hard work, education, and perseverance.
Even after retirement, Smith continued to inspire others, often speaking about the importance of molding young men and women into leaders.
Social media flooded with sentimental posts from elected officials, community leaders, and citizens who Dr. Smith had such a positive and impactful influence on. The Space Coast has lost a giant, a leader, and a legend. Rest in power Dr. Smith.
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