Joseph Nelson LaGrone

A lifelong resident of Tuscaloosa County, he was a dedicated member of Fairview Wesleyan Church where he served on the Board of Deacons and was the church treasurer for many years.

Joe was a World War II veteran, serving with the Anti-aircraft Artillery in the European Theater. His service to his country was one of the defining moments in his life.

At the close of WWII, Joe went to work with Gulf States Paper and stayed until it closed in 1978.

His passion for travel inspired him to spend summers camping with his family across the United States. Despite his insistence that his family of five make “good time” he made sure that they saw all of the necessary sights along the Gulf Coast, in Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

He was a good man, who loved the simple pleasures of life, affectionately known as Papa to his grandchildren and Old Papa to his great grandchildren, his family was cherished by him. Always known for his snappy comebacks, his sense of humor was strong until the end.

He married Viva Busby in 1947, shortly after returning from the war. She preceded him in death in 1994. They were married for 47 years.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Evelyn Turner LaGrone. Other survivors include his son, Rodney LaGrone of Tuscaloosa; Pam LaGrone Latham (Edward) of Madison, Georgia; Judy Thatcher (Tim) of Rogers, Arkansas; Byron LaGrone (Debra) of Cottondale; Pam Turner Duren (Lou) of Cottondale. He had 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Marcille Sexton is his only surviving sibling. He was loved and will be missed by many friends.

He is preceded in death by his oldest grandson, Rod LaGrone. He is also preceded by his parents, Jesse and Vera LaGrone, siblings; Shirley Clements, Ed LaGrone, Flonell (Babe) Cook.

Pallbearers are Mikal LaGrone, Jacob Ladomirak, Harper Lovelace, Duran Cook, Rocky Sagely and Chris Kilgore.

Honorary pallbearers are Jean and Dave Cruse, Revis Guy, Dr. Ross Vaughn, Kerry Rainey, VA Home Health Base Care, Fairview Wesleyan Church, and employees of Gulf States Paper.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Fairview Wesleyan Church.

Bradley Strange will officiate the service at Memory Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation for family and friends will be at 10:00 with the service at 11:00 and graveside to follow.