Joseph E. Lentz

Mr. Lentz of Charlotte, NC, age 93 passed away February 6, 2015. Joe was born in Charlotte, NC on May 21, 1921. He was a graduate of Central High and attended North Carolina State University majoring in civil engineering.

Joe retired from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities Department where he worked 35 years as an Engineer with the Water Department. He continued working at the First United Methodist Church and performed volunteer work with the American Red Cross, Mercy Hospital and CMC Pineville. Joe never met a stranger and always treated people with dignity and respect.

Joe was a veteran of World War II, serving as a Rifleman/Technician 254th Infantry, Army of the United States in Central Europe and was honorably discharged March 30, 1946. He married the love of his life Loretta Brown on January 2, 1954 and raised two children Joe, Jr. and Elaine. During his children’s early years, Joe was involved in cub, boy and girl scouting and little league baseball and supported his children on all of their endeavors. His close friends and family were exposed to his wonderful sense of humor as well as his “engineering marvels” at home. Joe was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church for over 60 years. In addition to his parents Kathleen and Adolphus Lentz, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Dolph Lentz of Calais, Maine and Tom Lentz of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Survivors include his beloved wife Loretta of Charlotte, NC; daughter Elaine Graves Lentz of Charlotte, NC; son Joe and wife Rebecca King Lentz of Indian Land, SC; two terrific grandsons Adam Lentz and Brandon Lentz, beloved nieces and nephews and his “adopted” daughters Gayle and Pam and new found friend Ramon who provided loving care during his final days.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Charlotte at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 14, 2015. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region 1420 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204 and/or the First United Methodist Church, 501 Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202.