Clarence “Joe” Raymond Atherton, age 88, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on August 26, 1936, in Tams, IL, to the late William and Lucille Atherton, Joe's life was a testament to commitment, love, and service. Joe proudly served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1961, and his dedication continued as he spent 50 years with the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1994. In 1958, Joe met Gloria, the love of his life, at Central Hardware in Memphis, TN. Their journey together led them to Olive Branch in 1988, where they built a life filled with love and cherished memories. Joe’s legacy of kindness, service, and family devotion will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of his family and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucille Atherton; two daughters, Anita Sue Atherton and Gwendolyn Page; a sister, Dorothy Lucille White, and two brothers, Billy Lowell Atherton and Perry Edward Atherton. He leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Gloria Jean Atherton; three children, Denlyn Atherton (Boston), Joe Atherton (Wendy), Jacquelyn “Jackie” Burgess; two sisters, Minnie Evelyn Gill and Betty Louise Knight and two brothers, Tommy Ray Atherton, Danny Austin Atherton. Joe also leaves behind four grandchildren: Colton Ray Atherton, Hannah Michelle Burgess, Dalton Skelton, Dustin Skelton, and three great grandchildren, Sawyer Skelton, Cash Junge, Maddox Skelton, and one great granddaughter on the way. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 2, 2024 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at Brantley Funeral Home, 6875 Cockrum St. Olive Branch, Ms 38654. Burial will follow at Memphis Memory Gardens in Memphis, TN. The family request that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
