Joe Sterling Smith, or “Buzz”, as his uncles dubbed him, was born at the family ranch home at Sonnette on June 11, 1933, to Carl and Joan Sterling Smith. He attended various elementary schools in the vicinity, moving to Miles City to finish his schooling. He graduated from Custer County High School and attended Custer County Junior College before going to Billings Business School in Billings. After attending court reporting school in Minneapolis, Buzz and his wife Sharon moved to Bismarck, N.D. They then moved to Billings where he was in the District Court, subsequently working as a freelance court reporter until he retired. Retirement gave him the time to pursue any project he was interested in, and he was busy every day with a new one.
Buzz is survived by his wife Sharon of 67 years, his children, T. Sterling (Tim) Smith, daughter, Shannon J. Smith, of Billings, and son, Carl Corry Smith of Seattle; two granddaughters, Kelly Ann Smith (South Caroline) and Ryann Hannah Smith (Seattle); a sister, Virginia Dice; a niece, Linda Dice (Ron). He is preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother, and his brother-in-law, Don Dice.
I love you, Buzz. You made life a new adventure every day. Godspeed.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, 9/22/2021, at Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, MT. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
3:00 PM
Wednesday September 22, 2021
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
3:00 PM
Wednesday September 22, 2021
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana
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Stacy Fortune says
So sad to hear this news. It was always interesting to hear court reporting stories from Joe. I am so glad I got to meet him and know him.
You are in my thoughts, Sharon.
Maureen O'Reilly says
Sharon, I am sorry to read this obit. I was looking for a different one when this popped one. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember the good times and I’m sure there were many. All of us that Buzz kept in touch with, will miss him greatly. May he rest in peace.
Arven B. Ballentine says
Sharon, and family, we are heartbroken about your loss. May the many great memories you have carry you through these tough times!
Joe’s (aka. Buzz) passing caught me completely off-guard because I had just received a couple of emails from him saying how excited he was to see the Montana Griz and Montana State Cat football programs finally get started. He was one of the Miles City kids that had been raised during the tough times of the early ’30’s, and started out wrangling horses and working the farm the hard way at an early age.
Buzz never complained about any of his health issues so it was hard to understand how he was doing. He was my “Professor” for all things when I needed advice. When it came to matters such as the proper foods to eat, the many prescription meds and the OTC meds available, and his unending knowledge of the true political scene. He might have even sounded somewhat radical at times but Sharon would bring him back down to planet earth if he got too far out of the norm. If you didn’t agree with him on some issues, you’d better listen to him because he had done his homework!
Since all of our Custer County High ‘Class of 51’ classmates scattered to parts unknown (Like Bismarck, N. Dakota. 😉) after graduation, it was our pleasure to make contact with Buzz and Sharon again in the latter years after they settled down in Billings. You had a true friend and we always made contact with them when passing through.
Of great importance, Buzz was “The Keeper Of The Keys” when it came to keeping everybody informed about all of our classmates, and his diligence of doing that will be sorely missed! He still used the old antique method of using emails, as do I.
We loved you Buzz, with all our hearts, and don’t laugh too hard when looking down on us with your angel wings spread wide when we are out shoveling snow! RIP.
Bruce and Amy Ballentine
Norma Tumblin says
Sharon and Family,
What sad news to get this morning. I am so sorry to hear this “indestructible” man will no longer be bringing laughs and information! You and Joe were such awesome neighbors in Billings and have been always remained special to our family. Know that we are thinking of you as you adjust to not having this great guy by your side. I know you have lots of wonderful memories of Joe that will help carry you. Sending hugs and love to all of you. Norma
Linda Dice says
YFN will miss you so much. You were always my favorite uncle! ❤️❤️❤️
Michael Anderson says
Shannon, Tim and Sharon-
Sad to hear the news – your family has been a steady source of support.
Vida and John Poling says
Sharon and family,
Our heartfelt condolences on Joe’s passing. We so enjoyed being “across the street neighbors” with you many years ago on Elizabeth Street. May sweet memories bring you comfort in the days to come. God bless and keep you.
Dick and Diane Senger says
Sharon and family, we were so sad to read of Joe’s passing. We enjoyed being your neighbors. We have fond memories of our kids growing up together and even some getting into mischief. We know you have many memories of Joe that will bring you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Edmiston says
Sharon, Shannon, Tim and family,
You have my sincere condolences over Joe’s passing. I always knew him as Joe, and didn’t even know his nickname was Buzz until I read his obituary. As a nervous young lawyer, it was always a relief to see Joe’s face when stepping into a deposition knowing that his court reporting was superb and that he wouldn’t let me mess up the exhibits – no matter hard I tried. He was always very positive, while at the same time serious about seeing things done correctly and promptly. He was the epitome of a professional reporter. Thanks for all of your help Joe. May you rest in peace.
Randall Barthelmess says
Dear Sharon and Family,
It is with profound sadness that we share our compassion with you of Joe” s passing,—his final
Graduation. Judy, Sarah, Rebecca, and I want to send our deepest condolences to you and your
Family. Fond memories fill our hearts of Joe’s genuine spirit and smile. He will be missed by all
who had the privilege of knowing him. Sincerely, Randall
Bess (Browning) Barrett says
Sharon and family. ‘Twas a shock to read of Buzz’s passing – I phoned him 2wks ago and he didn’t say much about aches and pains. He will be greatly missed by many former schoolmates – his funny remarks and good laugh. Joe made dates and called us about monthly lunches with class 51 – great times! God bless your family and friends.
Bess Browning Barrett
Richard Cebull says
I am very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I spent many hours in the courtroom & in depositions with Joe during his years in Billings and thereby got to know & admire him. Joe was an outstanding court reporter & more importantly Joe was a magnificant man I every respect . I am very sorry for your lose & may God bless Joe & his family
Polly Culp aka Florence Boese says
What a shock to hear Buzz isn’t with us any more. He always kept me informed of 51 class news. I will miss his humorous emails he was a precious person. God bless you Buzz. My condolences to you Sharon (I worked for your dad at the telephone office years ago) and family.