Joseph A. Wharton, Sr. passed away on September 4, 2014, He was 86 years old. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to James Wharton, and Madeline Jones Wharton. He was the fourth child of six children, one brother and four sisters.
Mr. Wharton retired from the U. S. Navy where he earned the Olympic Bronze Medal as a Bantamweight boxer, fighting under the name of Ray Wharton. The discipline of fighting sustained him. He ran three miles every morning until he turned 80 years old. After retiring from the Navy, he was manager of Circle K stores in Corpus Christi and later open Pondy's.
His wife, Lucile and daughter, Patricia preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Joseph Jr., daughter-in-law Vanessa; grandchildren Jasmine, Jarelle, and Joseph and one great granddaughter. He is currently has 10 living nieces and nephews and 1 surviving sister, Eugenia Wharton Weatherby, of Kansas City, Missouri.
