Mr. Joe Ollie Whitfield Sr.

In Loving Memory Of Joe Ollie Whitfield, Sr., was born in Columbus, MS on April 11, 1931 to Turner Whitfield and Julia Maeweathers. Joe was their only child. Joe attended Union Academy, in Columbus, where he played running back on the varsity football team. After graduating from Union Academy in 1950, Joe held several jobs in and around Columbus. In 1950, Joe joined the United States Army and served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Joe was a corporal and was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Campaign Stars, and the United Nations Service Medal. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Joe returned to Columbus and in 1956 married the love of his life, Virginia Hairston, of Crawford, MS. Shortly thereafter, Joe and Virginia moved to Detroit, Michigan to begin their life together. Joe was employed by the Edward C. Levy Company. Joe was an active member of the Teamsters National Council #43 and retired from the Levy Company in 1992, after 40 years. Joe developed an appreciation for the automotive industry and loved cars and trucks, especially because he was a truck driver both in the military and at the Levy Co. While at Levy Co. Joe was trained to operate a large specialized construction dump truck known as the Euclid. Joe also loved baseball and he loved the Detroit Tigers. He was especially fond of Willie Horton, who he watched as a high school player and minor leaguer at Northwestern Baseball Field. Joe was also an avid fan of the Blues and Motown. He had an extensive collection of Blues recordings and often bought his kids the latest Motown 45s. Joe could often be found sitting in his basement with his headphones relaxing and listening to his favorite artists. Joe was immensely proud of his family. He and Virginia instilled in their five children a deep appreciation for education and would very rarely let his children miss school. He proudly displayed their graduation photos and would never miss an opportunity to talk about their accomplishments. Joe had an extraordinarily strong work ethic and instilled in his children the knowledge that one must earn rewards in life and to never settle for not doing the best you can with your God-given talents. Joe had an unshakable faith in the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. Joe and Virginia made sure their children were raised in the church. After retiring, Joe spent a great deal of time with his grandchildren, teaching them to ride bicycles, to enjoy sports and mostly how to behave, as he and Virginia were strict but very loving. Granddaddy always had a little change to put in their pockets. Joe’s love of family also included his family in Columbus, MS. Joe, Virginia, and their children would travel to Columbus for vacations every summer. Joe’s nieces and nephews always looked forward to seeing Uncle Joe and he always had a little change for them as well. Joe and Viginia often welcomed family members for extended stays in their home and often supplied sage advice for family looking to set up their own lives. Joe was also a long-distance caregiver to his mother, who fell ill and was confined to a hospital. He made frequent visits to Columbus during this time, often accompanied by his oldest son. Most importantly, Joe was a devoted husband and was married to Virginia for over 60 years. They purchased a home and became noteworthy citizens and contributors to their beloved Motor City.

Mr. Joe Ollie Whitfield Sr.

April 11, 1931 - October 17, 2022