Joseph Henry Spiegner Sr's Obituary
Joseph H. Henry Sr, (Our Superhero) was born to Bill and Willie Mae Spiegner on January 1, 1931, in Verbena Alabama. He departed this life on October 27, 2017 to be with his heavenly Father. After meeting his Queen, Elizabeth Bennett in Anniston Alabama, they married in 1951. While raising six children, Joseph began his exemplary career of service in the United States Army in May of 1952. Starting his career as a “HERC” Expert Missle Man, in the 2nd Missile Batallion (NIKE) Hercules), he retired
after 20 years of service and with many accomplishments. While stationed in South Korea, Joe met a personal goal by earning his black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
After retiring from the military in 1972, and traveling extensively he graduated from Ft. Steilacoom Community College in 1978 with a degree in electronics. He went on to work as a supervisor for McLane NW Distribution Co. retiring for the second time in 1993. A man of many talents, Joe successfully ran his own business as a TV repairman for 10 years. He accomplished all of this while raising 6 children, mentoring 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was a man that made you grateful for his leadership and presence.
Joe never missed an opportunity to direct his family onto the right path. He was a provider, mentor, confidant,
He was a no nonsense Father and pulled no punches, yet never failed to tell his family, “Dad loves you.” He showed unwavering support for his wife and family, whether you were down and thought you were out, or felt like giving up, he was right there to say “it’s gon be alright, you know Dad’s got you!”
He was a protector, soldier, teacher, fan, carpenter, gardener, mechanic, builder, financial advisor, and all-around superhero. Often asking all children and grandchildren, “let me see those grades.! No one was exempt from producing a report card at anytime.
Left to carry on his wonderful legacy are children: Joseph H. Spiegner Jr., Genovia Spiegner, Brenda Brewster, Carolyn Batson-Riley (William), Gwen Cooper (Frederick). Joseph loved deeply, guided and cared for thirteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. He was loved by his siblings: Herman Spiegner, Elizabeth Spiegner, AnnieMae Spiegner (Wright), Dorothy Spiegner, Lydia Mable Spiegner ( Magsby), Margaret Spiegner, Earl Spiegner, Evelyn Spiegner, and James Spiegner. He was also loved dearly by his in-laws: Ermalee James, Brother in- laws Roosevelt Bennett, Robert Bennett, Douglas Bennett, Tony Bennett, Ray Bennett and a host of nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in passing are his wife and Queen of 57 years, Elizabeth Spiegner, daughter- Sandra Crittendon, grandson- Elijah Diego Jones, grand-daughter Mercedes Cooper, parents Bill and Willie Mae Spiegner, and brother, Herman Spiegner.
Joe was a living example of the importance of personal health and treated food as his medicine. He enjoyed walking, running, biking, bowling, writing poetry, gardening, researching family history and eating wholesome food, which he did well into his early eighties. Dad was also a beacon of wisdom passing on values to his children and grandchildren. “Do the right thing”, “You can’t tell grown folks what to do,” “Don’t talk about it, do it,” and most of all, “Education is the one thing that no one can ever take away from you, and it will carry you even when you cannot carry yourself!” Dad knew that he had shown us through his example, and in his words. He would often tell us, “you know what you need to do, now it’s up to you to do it!”
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Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
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