Joseph W. Luter, III

Joe Luter III, Visionary Behind Smithfield Foods' Global Rise, Dies at 86

Joseph Williamson Luter III, born July 17, 1939 in Norfolk, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home in Palm Beach, Florida on August 28, 2025. He was 86.

Joe, the eldest of three children born to Pearl Stockman and Joseph Luter Jr, grew up in the small, southern tidewater town of Smithfield, VA. He attended Smithfield High School before receiving his BA in Business Administration from Wake Forest University, where he was the first of his family to graduate from college. Of his youth, Joe would recollect fond memories of hunting, fishing and skiffing the Pagan and James Rivers. A hard worker from the start, he secured his first job bagging groceries by fudging his age on a job application. By his own admission, however, he approached academics with just enough effort to pass, preferring to “play hard and work enough to graduate.”

The third Joseph Williamson Luter, he was unfortunately nicknamed ‘Weenie Joe’ to distinguish him from his elder namesakes. True to his approach towards most things in life, Joe would not be defined by others. In both his physical stature and commanding presence, he was anything but small. Joe was a force of nature whom anyone meeting him would not easily forget. Combative by nature, he made a lasting impression and unapologetically spent little time worrying what others thought of him. He was a man unto himself.

During his summers, Joe worked various manual labor jobs at Smithfield Packing, the family business co-founded by his father and grandfather. Realizing early on it was a tough business that consumed his father, he intended to pursue a career in law. Those plans were altered dramatically, however, with the sudden passing of his father during his senior year of college.

Joe returned home to the business and became President of Smithfield Packing at just 26. In 1970, a private equity firm offered to buy the company. While it was not for sale, it was an offer that he and the family couldn’t refuse. The company sold, and Joe was fired six months later.

The next five years were some of his favorites. Joe split his time between living a self-described ski bum life and travelling the world researching best practices to turn a fledgling ski resort, Bryce Mountain, into Virginia’s first four-season resort. He was always a builder and this development was one of his proudest achievements. The first condominiums in the Commonwealth of Virginia are at Bryce Mountain, thanks to his vision.

In 1975, he received a call that Smithfield Foods was on the verge of bankruptcy. Spurred by the bank’s urging and family pride, Joe returned as President and CEO. He made a strategic decision to let day-to-day operations be run by others so he could work on strategy and acquisitions. This decision proved to be brilliant. Over the next 32 years, Joe transformed the company through bold and aggressive expansion and dealmaking into a $13 billion global food company with operations throughout Europe and North America. Smithfield became the world's largest pork processor and pig producer through his visionary strategies of vertical integration. Under Joe’s leadership, Smithfield revolutionized how meat is raised, processed, and marketed worldwide.

Joe was renowned for his intelligence, charisma, and determination. His colleagues frequently described him as a demanding leader who upheld high standards while simultaneously earning both loyalty and respect. He was quick to recognize those he considered more brilliant, and surrounded himself with highly capable individuals. Smithfield Foods, under the leadership of Larry Pope, recognized Joe’s enduring impact through the creation of Joseph W. Luter School of Business at Christopher Newport University.

Beyond the boardroom, Luter was a private man who straddled the line of living large and walking in humility. The first to acknowledge that his life began with certain advantages, Joe was extremely generous, quietly donating to numerous organizations, individuals and causes in order to provide opportunities for others.

His philanthropy reflected his deep appreciation for his roots and history. He funded numerous projects in honor of his father including a dormitory at Wake Forest University and a Sports Complex in Smithfield. Additionally, he donated funding to build the Luter Family YMCA in Smithfield and the Riverside Smithfield Hospital.

While not a fond fan of the classroom, Joe had a lifelong love of learning, and history was a particular favorite. Some of the beneficiaries of this interest included the Museum of the American Revolution, the American Civil War Museum at Appomattox, and Windsor Castle Park - the historic homestead of Arthur Smith, Smithfield’s town founder.

Joe was an avid world traveler and at various times called Virginia Beach, Washington, DC, New York, Vail, a Colorado ranch, Aspen and Palm Beach home. Yet he never lost touch with his small town roots. When in Smithfield, Joe prioritized weekday lunches with his mother that included legendary, spirited games of gin rummy and the occasional evening competition over Jeopardy. Months before his passing, Joe had the unique opportunity to see his name and Smithfield Foods as a Jeopardy clue under the category CEOs.

Mindful of not falling into his father’s all work no play approach, Joe took time to enjoy life. His sense of humor was quick and sharp, and his enjoyment of April Fools jokes was only equaled by his disdain for unwanted attention received over his birthday. He took great pleasure in generously sharing the fruits of labor with family and friends - whether on boating trips, including time on his first yacht, the Foolish Pleasure, or during the many years of four-wheeling and listening to some of his favorite classic country and western artists (and the occasional Four Italian Tenors and German “Oktoberfest” songs) at Singing River Ranch.

At his passing, an outpouring of condolences highlighted the profound impact Joe had on others - as a mentor, benefactor or friend.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Pearl Stockman and Joseph W. Luter Jr.; his sister Dorothy May Hobson; and many of his beloved King Charles Spaniels. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 25 years Karin Fyrwald Luter; his sister Suzanne Stockman Anderson; his children Laura Luter Gurkin (Scott), Joseph W. Luter IV, Leigh Luter Schell (Richard) and Erika Ingrid Luter; and six grandchildren Jordan, Zack, Joe, Lena, Stuart and Sabrina.

The family is grateful for the men and women who helped care for Joe in his final days. Their devotion, respect, patience and love were an inexpressible source of comfort for Joe and the family.

Joe will be laid to rest at St. Luke’s Church in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of personal choice. Just as Joe lived his life.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com