The Passing of Smokin’ Joe Anderson
As you all know, Smokin’ Joe Anderson left this world late last Friday night (11-23-2007) or early Saturday (11-24-2007)morning. Joe passed while in his sleep with his best friend, Chester, his 3-legged dog at his side.
Smokin’ Joe Anderson, age 68, was layed to rest yesterday (11-28-2007) at 2p.m. In attendance were Joe’s many Family members, life long friends, and numerous Cowboy friends. At Joe’s viewing the night before, there were so many Family and friends in attendance, it was standing room only.
Our own Cowboy, Preacher Be Quick, at the request of the Anderson Family, served as the attending Pastor. It was only fitting that someone who knew Smokin’ Joe, give him his final “good by” from all of us and the Family. I must add that Preacher Be Quick, gave a very moving and emotional-filled sermon. He mentioned Joe’s wife, Linda Lou, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, and cousins. Many of the Cowboys in attendance came from as far as South and North Carolina to pay thier last repects to Joe.
As we all know, Smokin’ Joe was a man with many dreams. One of those dreams was the building of Possum Trot, a place where Cowboys could come and share their love of the shooting game with other Cowboys, a place where everyone could be one big happy family and spend time together and leave the outside world and it’s problems outside of the town of Possum Trot. This dream came together, and Joe was here to see it happen. He met everyone with open arms and a warm heart and his own little silly grin. He always would pat everyone on the back or hug their necks. Another thing about Ole Smokin’ Joe, he never turned anyone away, he always made room for everyone, even if it meant that he’d sleep on the porch of one of his many cabins to assure that someone else had a place to sleep indoors. He also seemed to attract all kinds of strays. No telling how many dogs he had running around Possum Trot, and a lot of them only had 3 legs.
Boy oh boy, there are so many stories to share about this wonderful man…So many stories that I’d be writing this “post” for the rest of my life. Anyone who came into contact and spent any time with Joe has his own fond memory of him. I spent some time reading some of the postings on the SASS wire, and had to laugh at some of the fond memories you all shared. And then again, one post that made me laugh was by Manatee. He had just met Joe after Joe rode up on one of his ATV’s at a Kentucky match. As Joe was leaving, he backed into Manatee’s pickup, then pulled forward, still smiling and talking, and then proceded to backup again, hitting Manatee’s truck again. Guess he didn’t know what he had run into. Ole Smokin’ Joe just wasn’t the best driver in the world, but I could see him doing this as if I were standing there myself. I laughed till I cried.
I lost a very dear friend and feel a major void has been created in my life with the passing of Smokin’ Joe Anderson. I loved that man as if he were blood kin to me. He was one of the most honest, and humble, giving, compassionate people I have ever known or ever will know. He was one of a kind.
Joe, you were the only man that has ever gotten away with calling me Honey, well except for your sons Brad, Dale and Chaz. I only wish I could hear you say it one more time and have you hug my neck again, just one more time. Jeeez, I’m missing you and love you. Sorry for my poor grammer and spelling. My heart is heavy with sorrow, sorry………
HEZEKIAH HAWKE