Joe L Webb

Joe Webb, 87, passed away Monday, January 17, 2011 at Maury Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Columbia with Rev. Melinda Britt, Rev. Frank Smith, and Rev. Scott Aleridge officiating. Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19 will provided military honors. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Church Atrium. Private family interment will be in Polk Memorial Gardens.The family suggests memorials to the Fellowship and Ayres-Whitney Sunday School Class, First United Methodist Church, 222 West 7th Street, Columbia 38401. Notes of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.oakesandnichols.com.He will be remembered as a gracious man, devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Joe and his wife of 63 years, the former Mary Lancaster of Perry County, built a home that welcomed generations of visitors. At any given time the Webb's had a houseful of guests laughing at one of his many jokes or stories. He and Mary loved to dance and could often be found dancing to the music of the Lawrence Welk Show in their kitchen on Saturday night. Born in Perry County, he was the son of the late Larimore Webb and Maude Harris Webb. He served five years in the U.S. Navy during World War II, attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his time of service he was stationed on the Battleship USS Wyoming with his two brothers. They, along with other members of the LST Fleet took part in the liberation of the Philippine Islands and were involved in other Pacific campaigns. After discharge from the Navy, he began a career in professional baseball. Joe played Single (A) baseball in the Cotton States League for the Greenville Bucks in Greenville, MS and Double (A) baseball in the Southern League for the Memphis Chicks in Memphis, TN. In 1948, he retired from baseball and accepted a position at the Monsanto Chemical Company in Columbia where he worked until his retirement in 1985. During his early years at Monsanto, he continued to play baseball and basketball for the company's team. For many years he was an avid golfer. He not only loved playing golf and often winning many tournaments, but also collecting stray golf balls and keeping them in a bucket at his home. Any golfer who came by would likely be sent home with a few. His love of sports survived his playing days. Webb served as President of the Columbia Babe Ruth League and helped develop the City League Basketball program of Columbia. He enjoyed his many trips to Major League Ball Parks and sport's halls of fames around the country and attended the World Series in the early 1950's.He was an active member at Central Christian Church for 38 years serving as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. For the last 16 years he has been a member of the First United Methodist Church in Columbia. He enjoyed being the greeter at the High Street entrance every Sunday morning where he loved to watch the children grow from little ones to young adults. During his 25 years of retirement from Monsanto Chemical Company, he continued to be involved in the community as a member of the Golden K (Kiwanis) Club, Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19, Maury County Democratic Party, and as a volunteer at Maury Regional Medical Center. He and Mary also enjoyed traveling.In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, Steve Webb of Franklin; daughter, Cathy Webb Thomas and her husband Robert (Bobby) of Nashville; grandchildren, Stephen Lindsey of Nashville; Martha Webb Galyon and her husband, L.A., of Nashville; and great-granddaughters Hallie Jane and Martha Anderson Galyon of Nashville. Other special family members include Paige Thomas Caldwell and her husband Edward, their daughters; Casey and Sara Kennon of Nashville; Park Thomas of Chicago, IL; John Thomas of Knoxville; and Denise Brice of Old Hickory.Pallbearers include Ed Cox, Ray Hickman, Jim Lester, Buddy Martin, Bobby McIver, Kurt Stearns, Mike Rhodes, Gil Webb, Holly Webb, Ned Webb, Jerry Battles, Shane Clark, John Cotham, W. H. Pigg, Jr., Burton Whiteside, members of the Fellowship and Ayres-Whitney Sunday School Class, Golden K (Kiwanis) Club members, and Maury Regional Medical Center Auxiliary.Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.