He was a member of the Mountain Park United Methodist Church. He was an avid bowler and card player, as well as winning gold medals in the Senior Olympics in Gwinnett County. He was also a member of the Task Force.
Joe graduated from Honey Creek High School in Terre Haute, Indiana. He married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Ann Schwartz. He served in the Army Air Force as a Private at Keesler Field in Mississippi and Sergeant at Tyndall Field in Florida during World War II. Joe was an airplane mechanic and provided maintenance and repair of B-24's in Continental USA. He was responsible for inspections, did trouble shooting and made necessary repairs. Joe also made flights as an Engineer. He went on to work in the Kmart corporate advertising department and retired after working there for over 40 years.
His wife, Ruth Ann Edson, preceded him in death.
Survivors include children, Alicia & Jim Gosselin of Hilton Head, SC. Lee and Kathy Edson of Austin, TX. Jeff & Donna Edson of Lilburn, GA. Sara and Barry Hyatt of Lilburn, GA. 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the memory of Joseph Edson, Sr. to AWARE Wildlife Center, 4158 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038, www.awarewildlife.org.
The family will receive friends on Monday, June 24, 2019 from 5 to 7 o’clock at Eternal Hills Funeral Home, 3594 Stone Mountain Hwy. Snellville, GA 30039. The Funeral Service will be Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 11 o’clock at Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 1405 Rockbridge Rd SW, Stone Mountain, GA 30087.
