Joe S. Minchew

Joe Sylvan Minchew, born August 21, 1936, was known by many names throughout his 82 years; Son, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, Friend, Uncle, Husband, Stepfather, Father, Granddaddy and ultimately Papa Joe by the most recent generation.  After declining health and a short critical illness, Joe passed away peacefully early in the morning of December 28, 2018 at the Augusta University Medical Center.

The eldest son of Tommie and Sadie Minchew, Joe was born and lived his youth in Manor Georgia, a small town near Waycross until he ventured off to college and earned his degree from the University of Georgia School of Pharmacology.  Afterwards, he found a home in Savannah, Georgia where he began his career as a Pharmacist with long tenures at Wachtels Pharmacy, Eckerd Drugs, Chatham Nursing Home, and Memorial Medical Center.  In addition, he was a veteran of the Air National Guard.

While there, he married Sarah Clary Kennedy in 1960 and, a few years later, together had a son Joe Tommy Minchew to add to a house full of daughters Elizabeth Anne, Sarah Jane and Donna Sue Kennedy. The family spent the majority of their years on Isle of Hope on the barrier islands of Savannah’s coast where they raised their family until all the children were long gone with families of their own and Joe was finally ready to retire.

From there he spent all of his time in Metter, Georgia where he and Sarah had a beautiful home in town, a charming gentleman’s farm in the country and many family and friends nearby. He loved to spend time with friends in the farming community and out on the land where he grew massive gardens some years, had a herd of cattle for a while and meticulously taught many of the younger generations the art of fishing with a cane pole in the peaceful stump filled bass pond.

All who knew him were well aware of his passion for the Georgia Bulldogs and his spirited sense of humor. Many share special fond memories of hearing him cheer for the “Dawgs” from the thirty-yard line for several decades or attended elaborate tailgate parties there in Athens for his critique of the team, the game or just to hear one of his countless boisterous laughter-filled stories.

Preceded in death by his parents Tommie and Sadie, brother Jerry and, most recently, his beloved wife Sarah. Joe leaves a sister Theresa Minchew Clements, daughter Anne Hilderbrandt Childs (Jack), daughter Jane Kennedy Hendrix (Jimmy), daughter Sue Kennedy Becker (Brad), son Joe Tommy Minchew (Jan), a nephew, two nieces and a legacy in sixteen grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren who will each treasure the many happy memories they shared with him.

The family will receive visitors at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, 223 SW Broad Street, Metter, Georgia on Friday, January 4, 2019 between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m.  The funeral will be held there on Saturday morning, January 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.  Joe will then be laid to rest next to his wife of 53 years, Sarah, at Hillcrest Abby East Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia with a graveside service at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Candler County Young Farmers, 34905 Hwy 129 South, Metter, GA 30439 to support scholarships for local students with an interest in agriculture.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

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