Joseph Clyde Townsend, 79, passed away, Thursday, March 2, 2023. Joe was born December 24, 1943, in Dinwiddie County, VA to the late Joseph and Mary Townsend. He enjoyed all sports especially baseball and football. He constantly checked the status of his favorite teams, including the NY Yankees and the UVA Cavaliers.
Joe loved spending time at the beach and in the mountains and enjoyed visiting the Shenandoah Mountain’s and cooking over an open flame. He also enjoyed preparing delicious grilled dinners for his family and friends. A veteran of the US Marine Corp., Joe served for 5 years before his discharge as a sergeant. He traveled the world both as a Marine and while in the private sector.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Townsend; daughter, Lara Lynch and her husband, Michael; sister, Maryetta Cliborne and a brother, Gerry Townsend; grandchildren, Liam Lynch and Francesca Lynch; brother-in-law, Harry Pittman and wife, Jean; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Bryant and Lynn Wood and her husband, Neil; his Jack Russell, "Buddy" as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joe is also preceded in death by his brothers, Glen Townsend and Cecil Townsend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the US Marine Toys for Tots Foundation 5620 Six Forks Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609. (www.toysfortots.org)
A funeral service celebrating Joe’s life will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 3:00pm at Hocutt Baptist Church, Clayton. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00 until 3:00pm. A private entombment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Clayton.
