Joe Hope
Joseph “Joe” Rawls Hope, 81, died on February 27, 2020.
He was born in Lakeland, Fl., to the late Samuel Claude and Annie Lois (Haltinwanger) Hope. He was the 10th of 11 children.
His early years were spent in Gainesville and Miami, Fl. Joe completed a plastering apprenticeship as well as an electrical apprenticeship. He worked in the electrical industry (IBEW locals 349 and 1205) most of his life, both as a journeyman electrician and as an electrical contractor. He was an electrical foreman at Sequoyah from 1976 to 1988. He was a superb craftsman whose standards of excellence were admired and emulated wherever he worked, over more than five decades.
In addition to his time in Florida and Tennessee, Joe lived North Carolina, Illinois, and Minnesota. He retired to Chattanooga in 2012.
Joe is survived by Janet, his wife of 49 years, and his five children: Rick, Orlando, Florida; Danny (Sally) Cocoa Beach, FL and Mammoth Cave, KY; Pam (Danny) Thirion, Owasso, OK; Steve (Lisa) Chattanooga, TN; and Liddy (Bridget) Manhattan, IL, as well as several grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings: Lena, Fletcher, Lucille, C.E., Carlos, Merle, Barbara, Maurice, Joyce and Jeanette.
Joe was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hixson. He was a faithful Christian and a generous man who loved working for his favorite charity, Metropolitan Ministries. He had a special place in his heart for the needy, small children, older ladies and large dogs. His sense of humor was unique.
The family is especially grateful to Dr. Andrew Fowler, his nurse, Kim, and Dr. Owen Speer and his staff for their care and love for Joe over the years. With the assistance of Hospice of Chattanooga, especially Brenda, Pam and Phaedra, Joe was able to stay in his home to the end. We are thankful for their support for him and the family; we couldn’t have done it without them.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Metropolitan Ministries, The Waddell Scholarship Fund at Trinity Lutheran Church or Hospice of Chattanooga.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, with Pastor Stan Combs officiating at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5001 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, from 1-2 p.m. prior to the funeral service at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Arrangements are made by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 423 531-3975.