Online Obituaries Joe Ree Goldsmith, Sr., 78, of Brockton was called by God on Friday, November 16, 2012 at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford. He was the devoted husband of Betty Goldsmith for 45 years. Joe was born September 9, 1934 in Bluff City, Arkansas, growing up in Reader, Arkansas, Joe worked at the local railroad laying tracks before enlisting in the United States Navy where he served his country faithfully and honorably for 16 years as a cook. His passion for cooking some would say sprang from that experience. He became known to family and friends for his mouth-watering sweet potato pies. He was often heard saying, "I can take a whole lot of nothing and make a whole lot of something'" Joe retired from the Veteran Administrated Hospital located in Jamaica Plain, MA where he worked as a pharmacy assistant he was well respected by his peers and the patients Joe was a faithful member of Lincoln Congregational Church in Brockton where he served on the Trustee Ministry, Usher Board and where ever it was needed. Joe was a member of John G. Jones Masonic lodge #8. in Boston. He always had a kind word of encouragement to share with complete stranger. He was famous for saying, "I'm not telling you what someone told me I'm telling you what I know". His laughter was infectious and his sprite kind and gentle. He will be remembered by his devoted wife of 45 years, Betty Goldsmith; his children, Gregory, Cynthia, Caryn, Nelson, Joanne, Donna, Neil, JoAnn and David; his grandchildren, Jerry, Herbert, Meredith, Lindsay, Tanisha and Naudia; his granddaughter, Mahnye; his older sister, Jewel Fields and younger brother, Joe Willie Goldsmith; He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Joe R. Goldsmith, Jr. Funeral Information Funeral services will be held in the Lincoln Congregational Church, 13 Wales Ave., Brockton on Tuesday, November 20th at 11:00AM. Following services, Family Repass will follow in the Messiah Baptist Church, 80 Legion Parkway, Brockton. Interment will be held on Friday, November 23rd in the VA National Cemetery, Bourne at 12:30PM. Calling hours in the Russell Pica Funeral Home on Monday from 5:00-9:00PM.