J.M. . Wofford

Wednesday, September 01, 2010 Joseph M. "J.M." Wofford, age 74, of Calhoun. Died Wednesday morning September 1st 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 will be conducted 11AM Friday September 3rd at the Union Grove Baptist Church. With Rev. Lamar Payne and Chaplain Mark Atwood officiating. Music will be arranged by Willie Hicks and Nathan Baker. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Rev. Donald Collum in charge of graveside rites. Pallbearers severing include; William Chanell, Daniel Williams, Doug Shaw, Keith Cochran, Brett Timms, Brian Gilbert, Darrell Sutherland and Chris Broyles. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 until 8pm. You may send condolences to the family at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral for Mr. Joseph M. "J.M." Wofford.