Joe Pickett

Joe was born on July 14, 1945, in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life was centered on family and his Christian values. He met the love of his life, Barbara, while they were in college at North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas). That meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership, and Joe and Barbara went on to share 58 years of marriage built on love, commitment, and faith.

Joe was a loving husband to Barbara, and proud father to two sons: Steven Pickett and his wife Susan, and Phillip Pickett and his wife Gretchen. He was also “PaPa” to four grandchildren—his granddaughters Gabi and Peyton, and his grandsons Reid and John—each of whom held a special place in his heart.

After college, Joe served with honor in the United States Army infantry. He completed Officer Candidate School and received his commission as a Lieutenant during the height of the Vietnam War. Unlike many of his fellow OCS graduates, Joe received orders to serve in Germany. Joe and Barbara were married and began their life together overseas. Before returning home in 1969, they welcomed their first son, Steven.

Joe later completed his military service as a Captain in the Army Reserve in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. There he began his long and distinguished career as a mortgage banker. During this time, Joe and Barbara welcomed their second son, Phillip.

In 1980, the family moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where Joe continued his career as Vice President of Mortgage Corporation of the South. Later, the family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida following the acquisition of Mortgage Corporation of the South by Bank of Boston. Joe was eventually promoted to President and CEO of BancBoston Mortgage.

In 1997, Joe and his talented team built one of the largest mortgage servicing companies in the country and successfully took it public as HomeSide Lending. In 1998, National Australia Bank acquired HomeSide, and Joe and Barbara’s adventure continued as they moved to Melbourne, Australia.

In addition to his role as Chairman and CEO of HomeSide, Joe served as President of the Mortgage Bankers Association in 1995 and as a member of the Board of Directors of Fannie Mae from 1996 to 2007. After returning to the United States, Joe retired in February 2001, concluding a remarkable career defined by leadership, vision, and integrity.

In 2008, Joe and Barbara moved to their farm in the community of Smuteye, Alabama, where Joe found deep joy in a simpler rhythm of life. He loved driving his tractor, planting his garden, and hosting family and friends at the farm, enjoying hunting, fishing, and fellowship.

Throughout their marriage, Joe and Barbara were active members of their church communities wherever they lived. Joe served faithfully as a deacon and as a Sunday School teacher for 55 years, living out his faith through service, teaching, and quiet leadership.

Known for his strength, loyalty, and generosity, Joe lived his faith through his actions and the way he loved others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy lives on through his family, his work, and the values he passed down.

A graveside service will begin at 1:15 pm with full Military Funeral Honors for Joe on January 9, 2026, at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. Additionally, a Celebration of Life will follow in the spring of 2026.