Shijiu (Joe) Cao was born in 1959 in Anhui, in rural part of China. He was the oldest of 9 children, only 6 of whom survived past childhood. His early life was marked by poverty. Often, he and his siblings went hungry. Though he was very young, he helped his family with agricultural work in the fields. As a child, he would help his father sell vegetables. Already back then, his mathematical acumen amazed the adults, when he was able to quickly calculate in his head how much money to charge for a certain amount of vegetables based on weight.
When the Chinese college examination system was reinstated, he spent three months studying night and day in order to finally be admitted into college and university (Xiamen University). He was the first in his village to attend higher education. Many years later, a school principal from his village told him that he was always a role model for the students in his village.
He came to America to pursue an advanced degree. Later, he found a job at Fedex in IT. He settled in Flower Mound, Texas, where he is survived by a wife, two sons, and one daughter. Although perpetually busy with work, he would always take time to go fishing, which was his favorite hobby. By the dozen, he would send his friends his fresh-caught fish as gifts.
In 1998, he started exploring the Christian faith. Over the years, he became more and more devout. He loved the community aspect that being a part of the church gave him, and he valued the practices of prayer and singing hymnals. Joe always had an optimist's attitude. His heart overflowed incessantly with hope for the future. He devoted his life to his family, his faith, and to his community. With love and pride, we remember him.
A memorial service for Shijiu will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home, 400 Freeport Pkwy, Coppell, TX 75019.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rollingoaksfuneralhome.com for the Cao family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a small gift to help with funeral costs. You may donate at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/joe-cao
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