Joe D. Dorris

Joe Demmick Dorris, 73, of Calera, AL passed away October 28, 2017 with his loving family by his side. Born on May 7, 1944 in Parrish, AL, Joe developed his tenacious character as he was the youngest of six children. He lived a full life, bringing love and laughter to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He graduated from Aliceville High School where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife of 55 years, Carolyn Brown Dorris. He earned a degree from the University of Alabama and established a successful career in insurance. He opened his State Farm Insurance Agency in 1972, which served as a platform to show his unparalleled passion for hard-work and serving others. His dedication to his clients led him to be one of the top State Farm agents in the country, but more importantly allowed him to show what unmatched loyalty and true-grit can do to impact the lives of others. Joe’s authentic faith in God motivated him to invest in people lives beyond his career responsibilities. He defined success by the number of lives he was able to positively impact. Whether it was friends, family, clients or a complete stranger, Joe had a special way of making those around him feel important. Joe had a deep passion for the outdoors. They say a dog is man’s best friend and well, Joe had many. He was able to get back to his small town roots when he and Carolyn moved from Birmingham to their farm in Shelby Springs, AL. The farm became a place where Joe’s heart was truly content as he watched his grandchildren experience and appreciate the simple things in life. His legacy will forever live on in his friends and family.

His loving survivors include his wife, Carolyn Brown Dorris; his sons Chris and Craig (Tonya) Dorris; his grandchildren, Caroline, Christopher, Julie Anne, Jacob, Anna Ruth, and John Samuel Dorris; his brother Drew Bennett Dorris and sister Gale Dorris Maloy. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Drew and Nell Dorris and his sisters Bobbie Dorris Shelton, Myra Dorris Carson, and Ruth Dorris Dalkhe.

To honor the life of Joe Dorris, a visitation will be held Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home from 4:00 – 6:30 P.M. A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 1:00 P.M at First Baptist Church of Columbiana. In lieu of flowers and other memorials, please send donations to Big Oak Ranch by going to www.bigoak.org/donate or to First Baptist Church of Columbiana.