Joseph Randolph Nutt III

1935 - 2016

Joseph Randolph Nutt III

Age: 80 • Stuart, FL

Joe Nutt died unexpectedly in Stuart, Florida on May 14, 2016 of an aneurism. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 12, 1935 he was the son of Joseph R. Nutt Jr. and Sarah Howell (East) Nutt.

Joe is best known for his pen and ink artistry and accompanying historical narratives, in particular his Historic Homes of Staunton, Historic Homes of Augusta County and African-American Churches of the Augusta County area. His sketches and articles also included Covered Bridges of Virginia, Lighthouses of Florida, numerous churches and other subjects.

Joe served in the National Guard (1959-64), and was a graduate of UVA (BS English 1959) and the University of Bridgeport, CT (MS Education 1964).

The Augusta County Historical Society honored Joe in 2014 as "Historian of the Year", primarily for his many articles in the News Leader, about historic homes and on churches of the area.

Joe leaves behind his fiancé, Betty (Back) Lesley of Stuart Florida, his three children, Randy (Claudia), Mary Catherine Nutt and James (Cheryl), also all of Florida. Grandchildren include Sarah and Ryan, one great-granddaughter and eight nieces and nephews. Siblings Bob Nutt (Mary Beirne) and Sarah Hovsepian survive, while Virginia Leonard and Janet Lembke predeceased.

There will be no service. Joe's ashes will be scattered at a later date. Those wishing to honor Joe may do so with a contribution to the Augusta County Historical Society, 20 S New St., Staunton, VA 24401.