Joseph M. "J.M." Wofford, 74, of Calhoun. Died Tuesday Evening August 31, 2010 after an extended illness.
J.M. was born September 12, 1935 in Everett Springs, son of the late J.H. and Gertrude Wofford. He had lived most of his life in Gordon County. As a sergeant in the United States Marines he served tours of duty in Japan, Greece, Italy, the Mediterranean, and was one of the first contingent of United States Marines who were deployed to Lebanon. He was also a former Boy Scoutmaster of Troop 43, and was the founder of the Special Olympics in the 1980's. J.M. was a member of the V.F.W. and was a past commander of American Legion Post 47 and held both State and District posts, and he also helped raise money for Gordon County's first drug dog. He was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church and was a retired auto mechanic. In addition to his parents, J.M. was preceded in death by his brother Travis Wofford and many aunts and uncles.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years Louise, Daughter Karen and her husband Charles Glaze of Nickelsville Community, two sons; Marcus and Terry Wofford both of Calhoun, a Granddaughter Elsbeth Wofford Tyler and her husband James of Farmville, Virginia, three Great Grandsons; Devin Ingle, Jacob Ingle, and Quintin Tyler, a great granddaughter Melody Tyler all of Farmville, Virginia, one brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Jeanette Wofford of Calhoun, four sisters; Shirley Hogan, Joan Gilbert, Glenda Timms, and her husband David of the Plainview Community, Joyce Broyles and her husband Marvin of Resaca, and special brother-in-law Bobby Shaw. He is also survived by a Marine Corp Buddy Kenneth Kestermont of Connecticut and many nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins.
Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Friday, September 3, at the Union Grove Baptist Church. With Rev. Lamar Payne and Chaplain Mark Atwood officiating. Music was arranged by Willie Hicks and Nathan Baker. Burial followed in the church cemetery with Rev. Donald Collum in charge of graveside rites.
I think the true measure of our existance is the legacy we leave behind. My father was active in so many things, Scouts, Special Olympics, American Legion, and almost everyone who knew him loved him. He loved children and children loved him, every child was his grandchild and his grandchildren the light of his life. He was never prouder than the day my niece was born, he adored her and loved her so much. When she had her first child my Dad was even prouder, and he wanted to be with Devin every moment he could, this was normal with every great grandchild, Jacob, Quinn, and Melody. He won't be here to see the new baby and she will never know just how much he would have loved her. He will stand guard over her and protect her as best he can, as his parents have done over their grandchildren, and hopefully she will feel his presence every day of her life as the other children will. When the great grandchildren have children of their on I hope that they are given stories about Paw paw J.M. and how much he loved them, because he will always be a part of them, and he will always love them and watch over them.
