Mr. Joe Nathan Idlette Jr.

Joe Nathan Idlette, Jr., affectionately known as "Buddy Joe," was born on March 10, 1933, in Indian River County, Florida, to the late Joe Nathan Idlette, Sr. and Nancy Cookley Idlette. He was one of seven children blessed to this union. Joe received his formal education at the historic Gifford High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically, serving as the star quarterback of the football team and a guard on the basketball team. Following his graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he honorably served his country as a motion picture photographer during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, Joe was united in holy matrimony to his beloved wife, Bernice Ross Idlette. Their union was richly blessed with six precious children.

From an early age, Joe was an active and devoted member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church. Throughout his lifetime of service, he faithfully served as a trustee and steward board member, Sunday school teacher, and a member of the male chorus. Joe furthered his education at Bethune-Cookman College and Indian River Community College, studying Citrus Technology, Real Estate Principles and Practice, Farm Finance, and Banking. His professional journey included 14 years with Pan American Airlines at the Kennedy Space Center, where he served as a Senior Classified Data Technician.

In 1969, Joe embraced his entrepreneurial spirit and founded a successful commercial landscape management and pesticide business. Alongside close friends, he went on to open Hillcrest Supermarket, the first supermarket in Gifford. Their shared vision of community progress continued with the formation of Industrial Growers, a 160-acre citrus operation that began with their families planting seeds together on weekends. Later, Joe partnered with two friends to establish Uni-Four Construction, a company dedicated to building affordable custom homes for first-time home buyers and helping families secure financing.

Joe's commitment to service extended far beyond his professional life. He served in the National Guard, volunteered with the Indian River County Ambulance Squad for four years, and was a board member of Habitat for Humanity for a decade. He also served on the board of Our Father's Soup Kitchen and was an active member of the Men's Promise Keepers fellowship.

A true trailblazer, Joe made history in 1974 as the first Black elected to the Indian River County School Board, where he served faithfully for 20 years, including three terms as chairman and multiple terms as vice-chair. His legacy of leadership, perseverance, and service continues to inspire generations.

On October 21, 2025, God called His faithful servant home to eternal rest. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Nancy Idlette; and his sisters, Fannie Mae Buckner, Josephine Taylor, Joyce Littles, and Lillie Mae Walker. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 71 years, Bernice Idlette; three sons, Anthony Idlette, Sr., Joe Idlette III, and Keith Idlette; three daughters, Jacqueline (Julius III) Idlette-Reason, Jennifer Idlette, and Jody Idlette; ten grandchildren, Alexis Wilson, Ola (Gevon) Doby, Julius Reason III, Xanthia Idlette, Anthony (Suzette) Idlette Jr., Lavonne Idlette, Tristen Idlette, Jonte Reason, Jade Reason, and Joanna Idlette; one sister, Gloria Idlette Wilson; one brother, Eugene Idlette; two goddaughters, Tammy Broxton-Brown and Wanda Munnings; one adopted daughter, Plynie Tory; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. Joe Nathan "Buddy Joe" Idlette, Jr. leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and community that will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.