JOE DEDGE Jr.

DEDGE Joe W. Dedge, Jr., began his eternal life with the Lord on Wednesday July 27, 2011, after a prolonged illness. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends, and will carry on in this world through their hearts. Joe was born in Jasper, FL on November 16, 1932 to Inez Marable and Joe W. Dedge, Sr. While attending Jasper High School, he balanced his schoolwork with football, as well as farming, for which he was awarded a State Farmer Degree. Joe joined the United States Air Force at the age of 18, serving during the Korean Conflict. He moved to Jacksonville in 1954, where he met his one true love, Anne, was married in the summer of 1955, and the Lord blessed them with two children. Joe attended Jacksonville University while beginning his career in construction with Berger & Griffis Co. After receiving his General Contractor's License, he became a partner, and later President, of Deg Inc., as well as a member of the Northeast Florida Builder's Association. Despite his undeniable success in the business world, Joe always saw room for improvement. He illustrated this by joining Toastmasters to advance his communication skills, and by assuming various leadership roles. Joe was a Cub Scout Leader and Boy Scout Master for St. Matthew's Troop 132, first with his son, and again with his grandson. Joe and Anne joined the German American Club in 1971, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, in addition to Club President, and now after 40 years, Joe is recognized as a Life Member. One of Joe's favorite pastimes was golf. He was a member of the Hyde Park Men's Association and finished 1st place in their Annual Memorial Tournament in 1995. Joe was steadfast in his pursuit of God throughout his entire life. He was a faithful and active member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church, and anyone that knew him could tell you that he maintained a beautiful relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Joe was preceded in death by his son, Richard Anthony Dedge, and his infant sister, Sybil. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anne Kirkland Dedge; his daughter, Susan Dedge Pacetti; brothers, Gerald (MaryAnn) and Arthur (Geraldine); sisters, Nell Dedge Bols (Earl) and Lucy Dedge Hodges (Ronald); siblings by choice, Mary Kirkland and James Kirkland; and grandson, Richard Austin Murphy, as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral mass will be held 11 AM Monday, August 1, 2011 in St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 1773 Blanding Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32210 with Father Jose Kulathinal and Father Luke McLoughlin concelebrating, assisted by Deacon George Good. A reception will follow at the church. Interment will be in North Cemetery, Dupont, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Building Fund of St. Matthew's Catholic Church or Community Hospice of NE FL, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257. Arrangements by GIDDENS-REED FUNERAL HOME, Baldwin, FL (904-387-0055), www.giddensreedfh.com Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com