Joseph “Buddy” C. Smith

Joseph Smith, 84, of Winchester, Virginia, passed away on August 8, 2015 in the facility that he and his late wife, Juanita, owned and operated for many years – Hilltop House in Winchester. 

Buddy was born in Front Royal in 1930, the son of the late Joseph Smith, Sr. and Anna Elizabeth Smith.  He had many accomplishments in his life, including graduating from Warren County High School in 1948, serving in the United States Air Force during peacetime, working as a butcher for the M&M Meat Market, working for Acme in the meat department – climbing his way up to Regional Supervisor.  He earned the nickname as “The Wonder Boy” due to his quick advancement.  After leaving Acme, he opened and operated Jumpin’ J Restaurant and Catering.  During one year, he served easily 10,000 meals between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  During the years that he ran the restaurant, he also ran a Cow-Calf business.  He would later open and operate Hilltop House Assisted Living Facility.  He was also a former member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, past member of the Winchester Moose Lodge, and former President of the Virginia Restaurant Association.  Those who knew Buddy would say that he was always a hard worker.  Even with all of his accomplishments, his greatest accomplishment was his family.

Mr. Smith had married Juanita in Front Royal, VA on December 16, 1949.  She preceded him in death on September 15, 2012.

Joseph leaves behind a daughter, Mitzi Signor (Larry) of White Post, VA and their children Matthew Signor of Winchester, VA and Travis Signor of White Post, VA; a son, Scott Smith (Lisa) and their children Bradley Smith of Newport News, VA and Sarah Smith of Columbus, OH; five great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Petersen of Norfolk, VA; as well as many friends, extended family and his staff at Hilltop House.

Along with his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his brother, A. Emmit Smith.

Buddy’s family will receive friends from 6-8pm on Tuesday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

A graveside service with military honors will be conducted on Wednesday at 2:00 PM at Shenandoah Memorial Park, Winchester, VA.  Pastor Andy Brock will be officiating.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Larry Spaid, Eddie Johnson, Adrian Garcia, Travis Signor, Bennie Wilson, Bradley Smith and John Harman.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.