He was born in Coal Valley, Alabama and was a longtime resident of the Hixson area. Joseph served our country during World War II in the U. S. Navy on the Don O. Woods. He retired from Selox.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Rebecca Gilchrist; great grandson, Knox Gilchrist; parents, Charlie and Melissa Gilchrist; siblings, Will, Bobby and Jerry Gilchrist.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances Gilchrist; children, Ron (Tammy) Gilchrist, Charles Gilchrist, Shelia (Randy) Borum and Shawn (Sherry) Gilchrist; nine grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Cone and Betty Mullinax; many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 7 pm on Sunday and on Monday from 1 to 2 pm at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Graveside services for Joseph will be held at 2:30 pm on Monday, March 3, at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff and nurses with Hearth Hospice for their love and care given to Joseph during his illness.
