Joseph Gettys Jr.

Gettys, Jr., Joseph , 65, of Melbourne, FL, and of late, Murphy, NC, died October 25, 2017 at his home in Murphy. Services will be held graveside at the City of Melbourne Cemetery on Hibiscus Avenue at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2018. Joe Gettys was a top-ranked Florida junior tennis player, and a 1970-graduate of Melbourne High School. He was a 5-star tennis recruit, attending University of Georgia, where his tennis team was SEC Champs 1971-1974. Early on, he worked as a tennis pro in the Florida Keys and NC. In 1977, he married Catherine Hopcroft, who is mother to his two children. Joe had a long career as a marketing professional in the beverage, entertainment, and transportation industries before retiring in NC several years ago. A witty and talented writer, he enjoyed political discussions with friends and family, took great joy driving his limited-edition GTO (car), was an avid golfer, and faithful UGA sports fan. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Elinor Montgomery Gettys and Joseph Lyle Gettys, Melbourne. He is survived by his children Matthew Montgomery Gettys (Lauren) Atlanta, Elizabeth Burks Gettys Vaughan (AJ Vaughan) Jacksonville, his granddaughters Quinn Vaughan and Reagan Gettys, his sister Montgomery "Monty" Gettys (Craig Uttley) Winter Park, his nephew Luke Gettys Uttley Winter Park and many cousins.