Dr. Joe Lee Nettles, 83, died on April 6, 2017. He was born in Monroeville, Alabama where he grew up with three brothers David, Clay, and Bert and met the love of his life, Sarah Katherine Quinn, to whom he was married for fifty-four years. He graduated from Baylor University and the University of Alabama Medical School, where he was trained as an orthopedic surgeon. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served as a volunteer with the Red Cross in Vietnam in 1968.

After completing his residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in 1969, he and his young family moved to Savannah where he practiced with his partners at Orthopedic Associates until his retirement in 2001. He was active in the American Medical Association and the Medical Association of Georgia for which he served as president in 1989-1990.

He developed a passion for distance running in his 40's and over the years became a fixture in the local running community, completing nearly 100 marathons all over the world. Dr. Joe was an inspiration to countless runners and was honored to have carried the Olympic torch through Savannah in 1996.

His family was the center of his life. He and Sarah cherished their son, three daughters and 11 grandchildren. Some of his happiest days were spent with family at his Tybee beach house where he lived his last years.

He is survived by his daughters Sally Nettles Wolfe (Victor) of Lyons, Georgia, Temple Nettles Morrow (Jordon) of Savannah, Blanche Nettles Powers (Andy) of Savannah and his son, Joe Lee Nettles Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida, grandchildren Joseph, Sarah, Andrew, John Victor, Margaret and Benjamin Wolfe, Katherine and Clay Morrow, Andrew, Matthew and Samuel Powers, and brothers Clay Nettles of Chevy Chase, Maryland and Bert Nettles of Birmingham, Alabama.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2017 at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, where he has been a member since 1969, with visitation following at the church.

Remembrances to the charity of your choice.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Savannah Morning News on Apr. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe Nettles

13 Entries

Clarence Logue

February 28, 2018

I send my condolences to the family. Dr Nettles performed successful surgery on me as a child and later on. Clay Logue

Stephen Donahue

April 11, 2017

It was a pleasure to know Dr. Nettles. He was a compassionate physician and a role-model for today's young physicians. He will be missed by Savannah and all of those who he cared for. It was an honor to know him. My condolences to his family.

Karen Meyers

April 10, 2017

Dr. Nettles was a lovely man and a wonderful doctor who comforted the heart of this new mother back in 1973 when my daughter was born with orthopedic issues. I was so afraid for my baby and wondered if she'd ever even walk. He suggested prayer first . He asked me to trust God and to trust him also . I did and I remember how his beautiful blue eyes filled with tears as we watched her take some of her first steps. Years latter, our paths crossed again when I was doing volunteer work and met his wife and was struck by his tender care and love for her. Such a good man will be missed but will never be forgotten. My daughter and I were blessed by his compassion and talent . K. Meyers

Susie Delancy Hudkins

April 10, 2017

I will forever remember Dr. Nettles as the kindest, most soft-spoken man. His dedication to his family and faith were such an example to all. His days at Tybee with family and friends standout to me as his happiest, but his service to others as a physician surely touched all of Savannah and beyond. Rest In Peace and strength of faith to all your wonderful family. Much love, Susie!

teresa altman

April 9, 2017

I would like to tell his family in 1984 I was hit by a car and was rush to savannah ga hospital and was in st joseph hospital and dr nettles was my dr and I will always thank him and know that he is with god now he was a great dr god bless and will be praying for you at this sad time will always cherish my memories of dr nettles god bless til we meet again god bless Teresa altman was sparks at the time when I was in hospital thanks dr nettles

herbert morris

April 8, 2017

so sorry for your loss Rip Dr Nettles I did a lot of remodeling on your house down coffee bluff rd you were a great
person

Libby Miller

April 8, 2017

Blanche and family,
I am so saddened to hear of your dad's passing. He and your mom were inspirations to us all. What wonderful people!
You all live by their example and that is why you guys are so wonderful.
Much love to each of you!

April 8, 2017

May you find comfort in knowing your loved one is resting safely in God's infinite memory. -- Psalm 147:4

Lynell Arnsdorff

April 8, 2017

Rest in peace Dr. Nettles God bless you

Becky Kinsey

April 8, 2017

We enjoyed having Dr. Joe at Trinity Chapel UMC on Tybee. He was faithful and always had a smile. We will miss him.

Danielle Dattilo

April 7, 2017

I am so sorry and send my blessings to the family!

Harriette and Pat Adams

April 7, 2017

Harriette and I are saddled to hear about the death of Joe. He was a great person and will be missed by all. Our condolences to your family.Harriette and Pat Adams

Harriette and Pat Adams

April 7, 2017

Harriette and I are saddled to hear about the death of Joe. He was a great person and will be missed by all. Our condolences to your family.Harriette and Pat Adams

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results