Joe Everett Gilpin Sr.

Joe was born in Perry Florida on December 15th 1926, and passed away at 97 years old on December 25th 2023. Perry Florida during that time period was known as the forest capital of the world, with cedar, cypress, hardwood, and pine being the lifeblood of that area of Florida. Joe grew up quick, and worked at several sawmills while growing up, he also learned how to weld at a local welding and repair shop. During World War II Joe worked at the Jacksonville Florida shipyard as a welder, foreman and welding instructor. He said during this time in our country's history a lot of women came to work at the shipyard and he taught them how to weld. He said he got flashed a lot and it was blinding it at times but said it was amazing and very rewarding on how our countries women came together to help build and to provide ships and other vital equipment to fight the war and protect the country’s freedoms. After the war ended his family moved to McClenny Florida where his father bought a small sawmill and Joe started his own family. His father, Leonard Everett Gilpin and mother Thelma Marie (Collins) Gilpin were both born and raised in Savannah Georgia. His grandfather, Judge William Gilpin was born in Swainsboro Georgia and his grandmother, Vera Lightfoot, a Miccosukee Indian was born in the Florida Everglades. Joe had (2) brothers, Leonard Everett Gilpin Jr, JL Smith, and (1) daughter Mary Gilpin of Perry Florida. Joe married Myrtice Marie Todd in 1947 and together they had four children, Jack Leonard Gilpin (Sue Webb), Joe Everett Gilpin (Ann Webb), Nina Elaine Gilpin (Larry Bennett), James Alfred Gilpin (Janice Marie Hill, Linda Lane Albus, Elizabeth Ann Ingersol). Joe and Myrtice divorced in 1983 and both of them remarried the following year with Myrtice marrying Steve Harvey of Brooksville, and Joe marrying Vina Marie Long of Webster Florida. Their grandchildren include, James Alfred Harmon, Tracy Lane Gilpin Messina, Joe Howard Gilpin, Travis Todd Gilpin, Joe Everett Gilpin III, Leonard Gilpin, Tina Gilpin, David Gilpin, Lisa Gilpin. Great-grandchildren include, Desiree Harmon Wright, Darlene Harmon Stuller, Kearstin Harmon Kimmel, Alexis Lane Burkett, Tracy Gilpin, Angela Gilpin, Damian Leonard Gilpin, Jesse Moore, and Cody Reid Moore. Nephews, Lloyd Gilpin, Ralph Gilpin, Edward Gilpin, Greg Denmark, Bruce Denmark, Sonja Denmark Nieces, Nancy Gilpin Norman, Janet Gilpin, Verdi Mae Gilpin Denmark, He was the Greatest Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather Ever and will be missed dearly by all that knew and loved him.

Joe Everett Gilpin Sr.

December 15, 1926 - December 25, 2023