Joseph "Joe" Daniel McPherson Sr.

Decatur

Funeral services for Joseph Daniel McPherson Sr., 93, will be Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home with the Rev. Eric J. Liles officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, June 20, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. McPherson, who died June 17, 2011, at Decatur General, was born March 7, 1918, in Whistler, Alabama to James David and Annie Ledkins McPherson. He was a retired C.E.O. of Mutual Savings Life.

After graduating from the University of Alabama, Mr. McPherson served as a transportation corps officer, rising to the rank of major, during World War II. He was responsible for supervising troop movements in and out of staging areas for the Normandy invasion and later, troop movements in Europe. He served his country for 39 months and was awarded 4 bronze star Battle Stars to EAMET ribbon, as well as the Jubilee Medal for Normandy invasion, and the Victory Medal. He was discharged in 1946 where he returned to the University to complete his law degree.

Mr. McPherson's career and accomplishments include Assistant Deputy Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Insurance; Mutual Savings Life (33 years) C.E.O.; founder and president of Alabama State Employees Credit Union; Decatur Rotary Club (55+ years); St. John's Episcopal Church (55+ years); Decatur Boys Club (former President); Chairman of Point Mallard Park Board, Development Committee; founder and director of Mountain Lakes Association; Wheeler Lake Yacht Club; Director of Decatur Chamber of Commerce. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Betty Jane McPherson.

Survivors include one son, Joseph Daniel McPherson Jr. (Anita); one daughter, Megan Johnson (Van); one sister, Margaret Ezell; six grandchildren, Joseph, Matthew, Beth, Betsy, Ben and Julia; and nine great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be David Nebrig, Ken Wallick, Murray Woodard, Hugh Hillhouse, Van Johnson, and Glen Higdon. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Straub and Sandra Rhoden.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of the Valley and the Boys and Girls Club.