Joseph James Tribble

Joseph James Tribble, 82, died early Tuesday morning, July 15, 2003, at his home. He spent his last weeks at home in the care of his devoted wife and loving family. Born in Forsyth, Georgia on August 30, 1920, he completed his formal education in 1942 graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served his country as an engineer in the engine rooms aboard Liberty ships of the United States Maritime Service from August 1943 until June 1946. Moving to Savannah in 1946, he began a career at Union Camp Corporation holding various management positions. He retired from Union Camp in 1981 at which time he was the Energy Coordinator for the Unbleached Division. In 1948, he met and married the former Miss Laura Boddiford of Sylvania, his wife of over 54 years. Together they raised four children. During his life in Savannah, he was actively engaged in politics and realized many extraordinary achievements which included being the first Republican State Senator elected from Chatham County in the 20th Century. He held numerous chairmanships and delegate responsibilities culminating in his nomination and appointment as an Assistant Secretary of Energy by President Ronald Reagan in May of 1981. His lifelong passion for political activism exemplified his unwavering love for his country. As a member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, he once served as Chairman of the Finance Committee, Chairman of the Administrative Board, and as a Trustee. His integrity and ability made him uniquely suited in his final career endeavors as executor of various estates and trusts. He is pre-deceased by grandson, Bryan E. Vaughan and his only sibling, Carolyn T. McCoy. Survivors include his wife, Laura B. Tribble of Savannah; sons, James N. Tribble of Greensboro, N.C., Craig R. Tribble and his wife, Deanna, also of Greensboro; daughters, Traci T. Spires and her husband, Donald, of Macon and Lisa T. Allen and her husband, Bob, also of Macon; seven grandchildren, Kristopher Vonderheide, Derrick Tribble, Miles Tribble, Maria Tribble, Julie Allen, Jennifer Allen, and Joseph Allen. He will be remembered for his compassion, his fervor, and his humanity towards his fellow man. Visitation: 5:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 17 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 18 at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church. Burial: Section "H" of Bonaventure Cemetery on the waters edge. Family, friends, and colleagues are welcome to a celebration of his life at his residence after the services on Friday. Remembrances: Parkinsons Disease Foundation, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032-9982; Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, 1600 Duke Street, Suite 110 Alexandria, Va. 22314; or Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 429 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401. Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors Hodgson Chapel Savannah Morning News, July 17, 2003 Please sign our Obituary Guestbook at www.savannahnow.com