Joseph S. Agee

Joseph S. Agee, Sr of Williamsburg, Va. went to be with his wife and into the arms of God, on May 5, 2024, once he was convinced, in his typical fashion, that everyone was taken care of. Joe led an enviable life, not that he was entitled, but because of the amazing impact he had on the lives of others. He will be, and is, greatly missed.
Joe was born February 10, 1931 in Portsmouth, Va. growing up he was a member of the Boy Scouts, played baseball, basketball and pool, where he could be a bit of a shark. He would have his brother watch the door in case his father came looking for him at the pool hall. He was extremely close with his brothers, Jack and Jim, and his sister Nancy. He missed them and spoke of them often.
Joe received a scholarship to the Norfolk Division of The College of William and Mary for basketball and baseball, and moved to the main campus after his sophomore year. He enjoyed a full career as an athlete at William and Mary. He would share many memories from college, one of his fondest was the day he caught a foul ball over the head of his mentor's infant daughter saving her life. Joe has the distinction of earning a spot in two major college Halls of Fames: William & Mary and Old Dominion University, formerly the Norfolk Division of W&M, and the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. After graduation he was recruited by the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Team which he declined. Instead he enlisted in the U.S. Marines, heading to the Korean War. He remained in the Marine Reserve for 30 years retiring as a full Colonel.
Joe taught history and coached at Warwick High School, before becoming a professor at College of William and Mary. He taught all upcoming elementary school teachers the art of physical education for the elementary students. He coached basketball, baseball, football and (was the very first, to save the sport from being removed) soccer. Throughout his time at W&M, he found great success as the coach of the men's golf team. His teams won 14 tournaments, including Virginia State Championships, earned NCAA regional bids, won the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) South Championship and were the NCAA District Champions. The golfers accounted for 14 individual medals and won three state titles. When Plumeri Park, the new baseball field was opened, a former player had the home dugout named in Joe's honor. Though he retired years ago, many of his students called and visited regularly.
A founding, and an award winning member, of one of his favorite causes: the OWJ, a service fraternity that provides scholarships to W&M students working in the food service industry, as he did himself. OWJ is The Order of the White Jacket, the color jackets athletes were required to wear while they served food as part of their scholarship. Joe was a lifelong member, and past president, of the Colonial Capital Kiwanis, a member, and past deacon of the Williamsburg Baptist Church, a charter member of the Colonial Williamsburg Dancers and an ACC basketball referee, refereeing major college games, including prelims of the Super Bowl.
Joe received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award the year he retired. The Sullivan Award is voted on by the students, selecting a meaningful member of each staff, faculty and the student body, who exemplified all the positives in people: heart, mind and helpfulness to others. In 2012 he received the Alumni Medallion, presented by The College of William and Mary Alumni Association, as an acknowledgement of his commitment to the college, leadership and exemplary professional life; it is awarded annually to only three alumnus.
He met the love of his life, Eloise, on the steps of the Sunken Gardens and they would have celebrated their 70th anniversary this April. They enjoyed many years of travel and very happy summers on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. They kept in touch with college friends and reunited annually, usually involving William and Mary where Eloise and Joe continued to be very active. They were selected to be Grand Marshals of the Homecoming Parade in 2010.
On and off the field, Agee was a mentor, a confidant and most of all a friend to anyone he met. He was a staple in the W&M and Williamsburg community. He has left a lasting commitment and love for his alma mater, family and friends. His advice embodied this sentiment: "Always meet people halfway and help them out if you can. Oh, and stay out of trouble," he added with a wink.
Pops is survived by five grandchildren: David (Rachael), Jennifer, Kristen, Natalie and Ava, two great grandchildren: Matilda and Miles, grand dogs: Carlie, Riley and Tinkerbell, a very special niece, Kathy Savage, and dear friend Lorraine Schubert.
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