Joseph Leroy Smalls, Sr. was born on February 15, 1927 in the Pinopolis Community of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, a son of Lawton and Rebecca Brown Smalls. He was affectionately referred to as Pops. God dispatched His angel and received Pops on Saturday, September 19, 2009. He attended the public schools of Berkeley County. At an early age, he became a member of St. James A.M.E. Church (now Moncks Corner A.M.E.), where he formerly served as a Trustee. He served in the United States Army. While in the military, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He retired from the Charleston Naval Shipyard in 1987. He was married for 59 years to Thelma Inez Reid Smalls. This union was blessed with four sons and one daughter. His wife along with his middle son, Calvin N. Smalls, preceded Pops to Glory. Pops was a quiet man who loved his family. He leaves to cherish his love and memory: a daughter, Pamela S. Kinloch (Clary, Sr.) of Columbia, SC; three (3) sons, Attorney Joseph L. Smalls, Jr. (Gerthia) of Columbia, SC, Archie J. Smalls, Sr. of Goose Creek, SC and Marion Kenneth Smalls, Sr. (Angelia) of Moncks Corner, SC; a grandson of the home, Marion Kenneth Smalls, Jr.; a very special goddaughter who took care of him during his illness, Deloris T. Duncan; a beloved cousin who took care of him during his illness, Sally S. Brown; his grandchildren who will always have a special place in their hearts for him: Dorinder, Archie Jr. (Crissy), Leneka, Joseph III, Daryl, Clary Jr., Miriam, Kalvin, Javontae and D'Angelo; six (6) special great-grandchildren; a very special friend and best buddy, Leroy Mack; numerous cousins, other relatives and friends that will forever remember the love that he consistently showed to all who knew Pops.