Joeneather Gavin

JOENEATHER GAVIN
August 22, 1944 to December 5, 2022
Joeneather "Joe" Gavin, 78, passed away in his sleep at his home in Clermont, Florida the night of December 5, 2022. Joe was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois. After graduating high school in 1964, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served as a Seaman on the USS Rankin. He married the love of his life, Mary Ann, on May 23, 1966, and after welcoming their first son, he left his life at sea to work for the Caterpillar Tractor Company. He possessed a passion for learning and constantly acquired knowledge and earned certifications via professional training and college courses. Never doing anything halfway, Joe was "ALL-IN" when he pursued a new interest. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling, but it was golf that ultimately won his heart. He became an avid golfer, and after 30 years at Caterpillar, he retired to enjoy his passion full-time. He went to work with a friend at Golf, ETC, which inspired him to establish and operate his own company, JN Golf. He personally crafted custom-made clubs, provided repairs and taught one-on-one lessons. He was a knowledgeable and capable man, and colleagues, friends and family respected his expertise and opinions. We have no doubt Joe is now in heaven giving God his opinion on many things! Sitting comfortably, reclined back in his chair saying, "Now... here's what you need to do..."
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Bennie Mae (nee Clayton) Gavin, one brother Charles Gavin, and one sister, Gwendolyn "Gwen" Gavin. Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann (nee Wilford) Gavin, two sons, Charles "Chuck" (Lori) Gavin, and Darrell (Julia) Gavin, one daughter, Kimberly "Kim" Agnew, three brothers, John (Fannie Mae - deceased) Gavin, Steve (Mary) Gavin, and Archie "Pete" (Bettye) Gavin, one sister, Carolyn (John - deceased) Patrick, and two grandsons, Shea (Hannah) Gavin and Malakai Gavin.
A special thank you to the team at Compassionate Care Hospice in Clermont, FL for their care and support during his final days. Per Joe's wishes, he will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date (location and date to-be-determined). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either of Joe's favorite organizations (or charity of your choice):
Alzheimer's Association
225 N. Michigan Ave.
Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601
1-800-272-3900
alz.org
American Red Cross
PO Box 37839
Boone, Iowa 50037-0839
1-800-HELP NOW
redcross.org
To quote Joe's favorite song:
"Every gambler knows, that the secret to survivin', is knowin' what to throw away, and knowin' what to keep.
'Cause every hand's a winner, and every hand's a loser, and the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep."