He was a Chattanooga native and graduated from RBHS in 1962. He was a local baseball hero for RBHS, hitting a grand slam homerun across Morrison Springs Road against SDHS. He and his wife Dottie raised their children Brian and Mandy in Florida and returned to the area in 2003.
He was an avid fisherman, woodworker and philanthropist. He dedicated his time to craft items for children at Thompson Children’s Hospital. He organized Christmas gift drives for many families in need. Joe was a friend to many and never met a stranger. In his later years, he served as President of the RBHS Class Reunion committee where he enjoyed making new memories with old friends.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Dottie Krauth Abston, son Brian (Candi) Abston, daughter Dr. Mandy (Brandon) Sims and grandchildren Christian (Samantha), Ashley, Nathan, Kaylee, Everett and Jase and great-granddaughter Emma. He was the best Pops ever. He is survived by brothers, Richard and Mark and aunts and an uncle and will be missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
The family has decided that in lieu of flowers, that Joe would be pleased if anyone, who could and wanted to, make donations in his memory to the following, RBHS Alumni Association, Teachers Fund in C/O Ms. Linda Pendergrass, 1298 Black Oak Ridge Road, Dayton, TN 37321.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
