Joe died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease April 25, 2006, at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home in EI Dorado, Ark. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1993.
Joe’s devotion to EI Dorado was such that his local obituary cited three staff members who cared for him in the nursing home.
After a year at Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., Joe entered Princeton, where he majored in economics, belonged to Dial Lodge, and was active in the Wesley Foundation. He served four years in the Navy, separating as lieutenant junior grade. During this time he married Johnette Jackson, and they had Joe Jr.
Joe then entered Harvard Business School and received his MBA in 1958. Returning to EI Dorado, he started a retail business with his father, while he and Johnette became community leaders active in Little Theatre, Junior League, and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, where Johnette was organist. Joe sold their two stores in 1991 and retired.
In our 50th book, writing about his Alzheimer’s, Joe gave tribute to Johnette, saying, “I can’t do much with figures, and . . . with facts I’m glad to have Johnette there to back me up.”
Joe is survived by Johnette; their six children; a sister; 15 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. To them all, the class sends its sympathy.