Jones "Joe" Andrews
At the close of a beautiful fall day, I lost my sweetheart, my husband, the love of my life, Jones (Joe) Garnett Andrews, Jr. to cancer. He was and always will be 'The Rock' of our family.
He was a husband of 58 years, a father to Joey and Amy, our precious daughter in-law, Joanna; 'Pa Joe' to Tyler, Kelly, and Conner, and 'Pop' to Crawford and Holland, and a brother to Gary, Calvin, and sister Jane.
Joe was born in Chickamauga on D-Day 1944 to Nancy and Jones Garnett (Garnett) Andrews, Sr, a Naval veteran, who was a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of the McLemore Cove area of North Georgia.
He graduated from Gordon Lee High School in Chickamauga and North Georgia College in Dahlonega with a BS in Business Administration, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, and reported to Aberdeen, Maryland for active duty on September 4, 1966.
While attending NGC, Joe was a loving husband and father, a member of the Scabbard and Blade Military Society, The REX Fraternity, the NCO Club, the Officer's Club, a member of the All-Star football team as well as the Business Administration Club. He received the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service while serving as supply officer with Headquarters, VII Corps Support Command, in Stuttgart, Germany.
He joined Combustion Engineering in 1969 with a degree in business, not engineering, which was uncommon in those days. He had a successful career receiving numerous promotions and assignments throughout his 25 year tenure. Upon retiring from CE, he continued his professional career as a consultant, restaurant owner, small business owner and teacher at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
As an avid golfer, he enjoyed his "good buddies" as much as the game of golf. Never referring to friends by first name, their name was always preceded by "my good buddy" or "my good friend." He always had a "favorite cousin" - which was the cousin he was speaking to at the time! He reluctantly raised Red Angus cattle which exemplified his character and commitment to family. He spent numerous Saturdays with Gary and Calvin watching Georgia football and loved them dearly. Always giving, never self serving, most generous, never hesitating to share his opinion. You always knew where you stood.
An ardent supporter of his children and grandchildren, he was always there. By God's good graces, he learned he was going to be a Great Grandfather and was so proud a new generation of Andrews was on the horizon. As a constant encourager, cheerleader, and biggest fan, he adored his family most of all. On a pedestal, he kept his wife and soulmate of 58 years, and their love for one another is an inspiration for us all.
He battled cancer the way he lived his life, with no fear, fully optimistic, and never giving up hope. During his final days, we shared lots of thoughts, and in true Joe fashion, "Go Dawgs," Vote Republican and one of his favorites -"Ladies and Gentlemen- Elvis has left the building" will echo in our hearts forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests support of Hope Fellowship Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1, Chickamauga, Georgia 30707 or Walker County Animal Shelter, attention Emily Sadler, daughter of Jim and Jane Sadler - dad's niece.
A Celebration of Life will occur at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring on Friday, Oct. 8, from 5-9 p.m.
The family is grateful to Hearth Hospice in Ringgold and especially to Nurse Ben and CNA Heather.
Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home-J. Avery Bryan Chapel, Chickamauga.