From Florala, Alabama Newspaper
JOE M. PILCHER, PROMINENT MAN, DIES WEDNESDAY(November 5, 1941)
PROMINENT MANY YEARS IN RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC LIFE OF CITY
The Grim Reaper has beckoned again, calling another of the city's most beloved
and respected citizens, in the person of Joe Mitchell Pilcher, who departed this
life in the early hours of Wednesday morning, after an illness of several days.
The end came peacefully at 5 A.M. after an all night battle for his life on the
part of Uncle Joe, and an all night vigil on the part of those who so tenderly
ministered to him. The end was not unexpected, for it had been feared that he
could not survive the malady that sapped his life away. He had been in bad health
for several years, though he did not seem to take it seriously. Announcement
of his death was received in Florala and other communities with feeling of deep
sorrow by relatives and friends.
Mr. Pilcher had reached the age of 72. He had been a resident of this city for
24 years, with his devoted wife, both of whom have endeared themselves to every
citizen of Florala. "Uncle Joe" as he was known to his friends, had
a very active life. As the evening of life came on, he did not do as the average
man, take life more easily, but continued to work until his physical condition
would not permit it. He had continued to work until just a few days before his
death. He was a distributor of road machinery, covering a wide territory.
At one time he was sheriff of Henry County, Alabama. He conducted a mercantile
business in Slocomb for a number of years, later coming to Florala, and engaging
in business here. He conducted the Pilcher Mercantile Company, where the Florala
Fair is now located. He was County Commissioner in this county at one time. He
had lived in Florala for the past 24 years, during which time he had made a veritable
host of friends here and where ever his work had led him.
Uncle Joe was a very devout man, giving much time and thought to his religious
life. He was a most zealous member of the Methodist Church. He never allowed
anything to detract from his church affiliations. He was, for many years , a
teacher of the men's Bible Class. The church has lost a most faithful and loyal
member. The community has lost a most loyal friend.
Uncle Joe and his devoted wife had only a short while ago, celebrated their Golden
Wedding Anniversary. Yet during all these years of wedded life, he had not ceased
to be the perfect lover that he was in his younger days.
He continued to lavish his devotion upon his companion until his death. His untimely
death brought to an end a most beautiful companionship leaving a place in the
life of his sweetheart that can never be filled. He was a most fond and affectionate
father.
Uncle Joe had many good traits, he never forgot a friend. He would go out of
his way any time for a friend, and would deprive himself of his own pleasure
to befriend those who might be in need. He was the benefactor of many unfortunates,
especially at the Yuletide. His unfortunate friends never gave up hope of receiving
their Christmas packages, even if Uncle Joe did not show up until a late hour,
for they knew he never forgot. He was ever ready to help those who needed assistance,
often when he did not know those he was befriending very well. He was a leader
in all worthwhile undertakings.
He was firmly for whatever he stood for, and was equally as firmly against anything
that did not savor of good. Much more could be said eulogizing this grand old
man, but suffice it to say that he was known, respected and loved by his legion
of friends and that he had no enemies. He was loved because he loved. He was
respected because he stood foursquare. Being human, he made his mistakes, but
he was ever ready to correct them.
To the wife, one son, and three daughters is left a priceless heritage by this
beloved husband and father.
Funeral services were held on Thursday morning from the First Methodist Church
in Florala, with the Rev. C.C. Wilkerson, Rev. T.G. Jones and Rev. R.K. Jones,
officiating. Rev. T. G. Jones opened the services with scripture reading and
prayer. Rev. Wilkerson talked on Mr. Pilcher's spiritual life in the church,
and his faithfulness to his church. Rev. R.K. Jones made a short talk and concluded
with reading the 23rd Psalm. Services were concluded at the grave in a Dothan
cemetery where burial took place at two o'clock. Evans Funeral Home in charge.
The choir composed of Mrs. A.C. Sellars, Mrs. T.G. Jones, Mrs. Effie Bell, Mrs.
J.J. Johnson, Mrs. Philmore Carter, Mrs. Fred Martin, Miss Vera Whiddon, Mr.
Frank Petry, and Mr. Ben S. Woodham sang "When They Ring Those Golden Bells" and "Face
to Face" Mrs. S.H. Williams, pianist.
Active pallbearers were: Dr. C.H. McFall, Mr. H.C. Gregory, Mr. A.M. Pearson,
Mr. A.F. Buce, Mr. W.T. Wilson, Mr. W.R. Young. Honorary pallbearers were: Mr.
Fred Martin, T.A. Goodwin, J.J. Johnston, J.L. Burford, H.H. Tootacher, E.C.
Palmer, E.M. Cannon, Chris Sherlock, J.F. Davis, H.J. Brogden, Tom E. Head, Breck
Gantt, R.S. Jeffcoat, Judge John Brock and Dr. Bush.
Survivors are: the wife, one son, Gene, of Florala, three daughters, Mrs. Lewis
Godbold, Montgomery, Mrs. N.L. Taylor, Gadsden, Mrs. Robert Hayes of New Brocton
And five grandchildren and one brother, John Pilcher, of St. Andrews, Fla.
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