Joe Sephus Whitt Jr. 63, of Hayesville, passed away Friday morning, May 12, 2017 at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born January 27, 1954 in Chattanooga, TN. And was the son of the late Joe S. Whitt Sr. and Lilly Belle Cranmore. He had resided in the Ashland area for most of his life.
He had been employed at Liqui-box, Crown Steel in Wooster and as a truck driver. He also operated a produce stand in Hayesville known as “Fresh Pickin’s Produce” and also sold eggs through-out the year.
Joe had been a member of the Hayesville Am-Vets, and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also did canning and was known for his pickled beets and hot cauliflower.
He is survived by his sisters, Rebecca (Joe) McCormick of Ashland and Elizabeth A. Rush and life partner Frank Austin of Mansfield; Aunts, Linda Whitmore of Shelby, Janet & Robert Mumaw of Georgia; Wanda Batterson of Oklahoma, Bertha Cranmore of Ashland and Candice Cranmore of Tiffin; Nephews, Brian (Heather) Sample, A.J. Adams and Anthony Heckerman & family; several cousins; special friends, Greg & Tammy Tester, Steve & Tina Hawley, Tim & Tammy Young, Bill Short, Paula Varney, Vicki Pence, Dan Rogers, Huck, A.J., Bob, the entire Amish community and his canine companions, Sissy, Abby and Spike.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joe S. Whitt Sr.; his mother and step father, Lilly Belle and E. Duane Sample; a brother, Randolph Sample and two sisters, Nancy Burkhart and infant, Mary Sample.
Friends may call on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory where a service celebrating Joe’s life will be at 7:30 p.m. with Rev. Tom Zuercher officiating. A private burial will take place in the Dickey Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorial contributions in memory of Joe, be made to the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home to help offset the funeral expenses.
For those not able to attend, expressions of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting denbowfh.com
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