Joseph Albert Boohaker, the youngest child of Abdallah Simon and Nazha Stephen Boohaker entered eternity during his favorite season of the year, lent and tax. Left to celebrate his legacy are the love of his life, Paulette Moutran Boohaker; his children, Dr. Emily Boohaker Issa (Richard), Maroun Joseph and Leo Joseph Boohaker who loved their “Baba”; his grandchildren, Catherine Anne and Rebecca Marie Egeland and Christopher Richard, Matthew Abraham and Mariana Paulette Issa who adored their “Jiddo”; his sisters-in-law Clara Boohaker and Widad Hobeica; and nephews and nieces in the U.S. and Lebanon. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter Saidie Boohaker Egeland; his siblings James (Josephine), Louis (Helen), Elizabeth, Hikel, Charles (Barbara) and Maroun.
Joseph was born in Birmingham. He was a member of John Carroll High School’s second graduating class. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, which he recalled as some of his best years. He spent 2 years on assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. During his tenure, he served as translator for the U.S. Ambassador and as an undercover informant in a $1,000,000 heroin ring. He spent leave with his family in Wadi Al Araishe, and married his princess bride, Paulette. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He graduated with a B.S. in Accounting at the University of Alabama in 1959. He is the first in his family to earn a college degree. He was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma. Although he never attended a football game as a student, he was a season ticket holder all of his adult life. Section H, Row 5, Seat 1 at Bryant-Denny will forever be “Baba’s Seat”.
He started his career in Atlanta as a Certified Public Accountant with Arthur Andersen and then Price Waterhouse. In 1965, he returned to Birmingham to open his own practice. He continued to work until the age of 86. He turned clients into friends and many remained loyal to him.
Joseph was the “rock” of Faith, Family, County and Community for us. He instilled the love of our Maronite Catholic Faith. He served as one of the first Vice Presidents of the National Apostolate of Maronites and as trustee for the Knights of St. Maron Charitable Trust. He served as the First Treasurer of the Georgia Chapter of ALSAC (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital), a founding member of Tax Busters, and treasurer for the National Alliance of Lebanese Americans. He was a member of the Cedar/Phoenician Clubs, The Club, Crestwood South Neighborhood Association, The University of Alabama Commerce Executive Society, The American Institute of CPA’s and The Alabama Society of CPA’s.
A celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at St. Elias Maronite Church (836 8th Street, Birmingham, AL 35205) with visitation service on Sunday, April 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by an incense service. Funeral liturgy will be on Monday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. with interment at Elmwood Cemetery with Military Honor Guard. Chorbishop Richard D. Saad officiating. Memorials may be made to the St. Elias Foundation.
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