He was born September 11, 1930 in McCaysville, GA to the late Lura Ethel & Joseph Brown Pelfrey, Sr.
Joe attended Truett McConnel College in Cleveland, GA, the University of Chattanooga and the University of Georgia Rome Center.
He was an avid Gospel Singer having sang with the Journeymen Quartet as well as leading many church choirs throughout the years.
He was a member of New Haven Baptist Church where he often sang and was lovingly known as “Lightnin”.
Joe was a United States Air Force Veteran and was retired from Burroughs Corporation after 32 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Michael “Mike” Pelfrey and several siblings.
Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years (March 29, 1952), Doris Pelfrey; son, Rick (Lisa) Pelfrey of Aiken, SC; daughter, Rhadonna (Gary) Kerr of Ringgold, GA; son-in-law, Ronnie Rich of East Ridge, TN; four grandsons, Adam (Krista) Rich, Zachary (Heather) Rich, Neil Pelfrey, and Mark Pelfrey; two granddaughters, Jamie (Todd) Burnett and Terah (Joshua) Sceviour; great-grandchildren, Kylie Dover, Kinley Dover, Logan Rich, Ellison Rich, Onyxia Rich, and Benjamin Sceviour.
The family will receive friends Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the East Chapel with Rev. Robert K. Schrader officiating.
Interment with Military Honors will be held Friday, April 1, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chattanooga Rescue Mission, 1512 S. Holtzclaw Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404 or at www.chattanoogarescuemission.com.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 South Moore Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37412.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.
