Joseph Charles Worley

Joe Worley and I spent many quiet, happy hours together wandering the grassy slopes
of the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, searching for birds, north to south,
fence-line to fence-line. He had a talent for characterizing other birders, assigning
them humorous names. I became known as 'Long Lens LeRoy' for carrying a camera which
I could barely lift, while Mike Mathos became 'Cadallac Mike' (a unique spelling)
for his chosen mode of transportation.

My fondest memory of Uncle Joe was on my wedding day. He came from California to be here and see the family. It was unusually hot in June and my father had packed the car for the church early in the morning. When we got to the church the straight, white, tall candles, were bent and drooping. Uncle Joe who didn't know the area said,"I will get you new candles." After running around the area trying to locate enough tall white candles, he arrived at the church with multiple boxes of candles...

I visited Uncle Joe whenever I was in San Diego. We always had good conversations; it was great to connect with my Worley uncle. Rest in Peace, Uncle Joe. My thoughts are with family.

Remembering connecting with my Uncle Joe at my brother John’s wedding many years ago. We had great conversations— and we looked alike: we both had long pony tails! I’ll keep you in my thoughts, Uncle Joe!

Joe was a great friend and neighbor for over 50 years!