Obituary – Joseph “Joe” Harris Webb Jr.
Joseph “Joe “ Harris Webb Jr.
PENSACOLA, FL – Joseph Harris Webb Jr., born Nov. 24, 1928, passed away peacefully Sunday Jan. 21, 2024 at the Haven Our Lady of Peace Pensacola, FL. He was the son of Joseph H. Webb Sr., and Clara Lucy Wales Webb.
Joe grew up in the Brownsville area of Pensacola, and at the age 17 joined the United States Marine Corp, serving honorably from 1946-1948. Returning from active duty, he graduated from Tate High School in 1949 with the distinguished position of King of his Class Court, and married Frances Juanita Copple. They moved to Gonzalez,FL and raised three children, Joseph Ronald, Kenneth Dwight and Marilyn Virginia.
As a member of the Greatest Generation and influenced by The Great Depression. Joe’s work career spanned 25 years with St. Regis Paper Company. In his free time, he built apartments, raised catfish, cattle, and horses and entertained family and friends at Webb Lakes. Joe never met a stranger. Joe’s workday always began at dawn. He considered 40 hours a week part time and never understood why people would not work. He would give a desperate person the shirt off his back, offer them work and provide shelter if needed. Throughout life he looked after the disadvantaged. Joe’s spiritual life was key in raising his family in the church. At Gonzalez Baptist, he led the youth boys “Royal Ambassadors”, and taught Sunday School and Training Union classes where he played the piano. During this time, he and Frances influenced the faith foundation of many young boys and girls in their early formative teen years.
With his children grown he married second wife Bernice Hatcher. They attended Gonzalez United Methodist Church and they saw that Casondra, Austin and Dawn were actively involved in church. Later in life he moved to Blountstown where he met companion Regina Hooks. Regina adopted Ty’Tianna Hooks as a baby and they raised Ty together. The family is blessed by the home and care Regina and Ty shared with Joe.
Joe lived in Blountstown the final 25 years of his work career and the people there held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed restoration work at the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, line dancing, and worshiping at Blountstown United Methodist Church. He worked until the age of 83 when his health required him to return to Pensacola.
Joe was predeceased by his wife of 28 years, Frances Juanita Copple Webb, and his father and mother. He is survived by his sister Marilyn Faye Bannan of Arlington, TX, son Joseph Ronald Webb (Karen) of Pensacola, son Kenneth Dwight Webb (Annie) of Sugar Land, TX, daughter Marilyn Virginia “Jenny” Webb of Sugar Land, TX, Stepchildren Casondra Banks, Austin Blackmore, Dawn Register and Tytianna Hooks Braun. Grandchildren Joseph Harris Webb III, Kevin Michael Webb, Amanda Webb Junker, Matthew Holt Webb, Walker Webb, Leann Vaquera, and Charles Joseph Winston Braun. Great-grandchildren Joseph Harris Webb IV, Gabriella Nicole Webb, Charlie Sebastian Webb, Levi James Webb, Adeline Ann Junker, Audrey Ann Junker, second wife Bernice Mason and life companion Regina Hooks.
Joe was buried in the Gonzalez Methodist Cemetery and a memorial service will held in the spring. His generosity will be felt and remembered for a lifetime.
Special thanks to The Haven of Our Lady of Peace in Pensacola, Activities Director Shae Brown and Nurse Jenifer Skala and all the Haven staff. Living to the age of 95 would not have been possible without the love and support provided by the Haven staff, nurses and CNAs. For seven years they treated him with care and dignity. Our family will be forever grateful for their compassion. We remember with sincere gratitude Martha Harley Davidson (deceased) who was his soul mate and dear friend during his time at University Pines Senior Living and the Haven Our Lady of Peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
•Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, 17869 NW Pioneer Settlement Road, Blountstown, FL 32424
•Gonzalez Methodist Church, 2026 Pauline Street, Cantonment, FL 3253
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