Joseph Earl Breedlove, Sr.

A beloved father, grandfather, and husband, Joseph Earl Breedlove, Sr. (known as “Bird, Joe, Joe Bird, Papa”) passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on June 7, 2021 in Dallas, Texas, with family by his side. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 10, 1940, to the late Earl Lou Breedlove, his mother, along with “Babysister”, Devora Lue (Breedlove) Grays who rests in peace.

Joe attended G. W. Carver Elementary and later graduated in 1959 from Fort Worth’s historic first black high school, I.M. Terrell, where he was a star athlete in football and track.

This incredible man loved the Lord and was a faithful servant of Christ. Early in his Christian journey, he served as a leader of the Sunday School and BTU (Baptist Training Union) for the late Rev. Roy W. Bivens of Sweet Home Baptist Church. He also was a longstanding member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church and St. Luke’s in the Meadow Episcopal Church.

Joe worked all his life carving out a niche in a business sector that was not always welcoming for minority-owned companies. But this was a man who got used to breaking down barriers.

Early in his life Joe worked as a landscape laborer for Outdoor Living, a stone company in Fort Worth. He later moved into the role of a supervisor. Through his passion and tremendous work ethic, he soon worked his way up to yard foremen. But that was only the beginning.

After excelling in his craft of landscaping, Joe decided to open up his own business and became the co-founder and owner (with partner J. D. Richmond) of “The Craftsmen” in 1969. During this time, Joe successfully thrived in the construction and landscaping industry where he oversaw large projects such as the Fort Worth Zoo and “The Bass Brother” projects. Through his prowess, he was awarded the Dallas Black Chamber “Quest for Success Award.” They led a charge that was for over 30 years of service to a broad community in the construction and landscape industry.

As Joe’s statue grew in the construction world, he began to attract the

attention of larger companies. In 1991, he moved into the role of Project

Engineer for Con-Real Inc., a larger minority-owned construction company

where he led large projects such as Frito-Lay and FedEx. A few years later,

he transitioned into the position of Senior Vice-President of Construction &

Safety, and partner. Joe worked for Con-Real Inc. for over 29 years and

retired in December 2020.

One of the highlights of his construction career was when his company

received a major contract from Fort Worth ISD for renovation and

construction of the new 900-seat performance hall at I.M. Terrell. His

beloved alma mater prepared to reopen offering elite academics to students

interested in Visual and Performing Arts and STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics).

Joe attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he studied

Landscape Architect and was influenced by his good friend, Elbert Spence.

While being such a workhorse in the field and a loving family man, Joe

always set aside time for his community. He served on the Board of

Directors for AIDS Outreach, and was a longstanding member of the Fort

Worth Rotary Club, Downtown Fort Worth YMCA, and I. M. Terrell Academy

for STEM and Visual Arts.

Joe’s favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends and

traveling. He enjoyed watching all sports that his boys participated in, but

his most favorite pastime activity was attending annual track and field meets

such as “The Texas Relays”. From Miami, Florida, to Venice, Italy, Joe

traveled all over the world and left memorable footprints in each state and country he visited.

Jo is survived by his loving wife, Martha Breedlove, and his three sons; Joseph Earl Breedlove, Jr. (Andrea), Stephon Breedlove (Marilyn) and Darren Breedlove (Stacy). He is also survived by his stepchildren, Marty Ferguson, Kendall Ferguson, James Malone (Shelly) and Erin Malone (Nick Shovlin).

Joe leaves a long standing legacy to his beloved grandchildren, McKenna, Lydia, Joseph, III, Isaac, Maddox, Montgomery, Liv, Ella, Isabella, Jordan Elena and Jackson. He also leaves his niece, Lisa Grays, his grandniece, Bria Sneed and a host of other relatives and friends to cherish his memories.