JOE C. WILLCOX

WILLCOX, JOE C., 93

Gainesville - Joe C. Willcox, of Gainesville, FL, died Monday, December 23, 2013 at the Harbor Chase Assisted Living Facility. He was 93 years old.

Joe was born and grew up in Lumber City, Georgia. Son of J. Clyde Willcox and Oatis Deavours Willcox. He was a Pilot with a rank of Captain in the United States Army Air Corps and after being stationed at many air force bases throughout the continental United States was stationed in Hawaii. He then met the love of his life, Norma Pentz, on a blind date and later married at the Little Church Around the Corner in New York City. The couple spent a year in Nicaragua, moved to Orlando and then moved to Gainesville for Joe to attend the University of Florida Law School. After graduation Joe joined the law firm of Lazonby, Dell and Graham and made Gainesville their home.

Joe's 45 year career as a trial lawyer was outstanding and he was known and received many awards for his high ethical standards. Joe was well liked and respected by all who had the opportunity to meet him. Joe had a commitment to service from spending freezing nights at the church with the homeless to reading the newspaper to the blind on the radio, he had a special way of helping others.

Joe's law career was only second to his commitment to the church. Joe was a member of the first united Methodist church for 60 years. He held multiple roles in the church but his fondest role was being a member of the Chancel Choir for about 50 years. He also enjoyed his time as the bass singer of the church's barbershop quartet.

Joe loved his family and lead by example. He was kind, patient and wise at the same time he was fun loving. He enjoyed playing golf with his grandchildren, annual trips to the beach and spending time at the lake. He also enjoyed many hours of fishing with his friends.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife, Norma, of 65 years and his sister, Alice Zuber. He is survived by daughters Joan W. Thompson (Mark) and Julie Barber (Steven); grandchildren Jody Thompson (Megan), Brian Thompson (Jennifer), Christie McDavid (Blake), Amy Barber and Joe Barber; and great grandchildren Hunter, Gabriel and Eve, Jackson and Kylie.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2013 at First United Methodist Church 419 NE 1st Street Gainesville, FL 32601. A visitation will be held Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Forest Meadows Central. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church and/or Haven Hospice 4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606. Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 South Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361.