November 23, 1924 - April 18, 2024
Joe Martin Pedigo, age 99, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024. He was a resident in the agricultural community of the Redlands of South Florida for 70 years. The second oldest of four siblings, Joe was born and raised on a rural farm in DeKalb County, Tennessee. His life's story was filled with extraordinary accomplishments and adventures. Like many in his "Greatest Generation", during WWII, he bravely volunteered to join the US Navy before starting his senior year of high school. Serving as an early electronics technician, he repaired combat aircraft avionics while stationed at the Vero Beach Naval Air Station. After the War, he joined the newly formed Eastern Airlines under Eddie Rickenbacker as an aircraft mechanic. Through his extensive technical background and personal perseverance, he was hired as a pilot for Eastern Airlines flying the Douglas DC-4, the Lockheed Constellation and the Boeing 727. He retired in 1984 after 38 years with the airline.
Shortly after becoming a pilot, he met a young flight attendant from Albany, New York, Shirley M. Whitney, his future wife. He is survived by Shirley and their three children; Scott, John ( Karen), Barbara (Pedigo) Gradin, six grandchildren, Josh, Emma, Caleb, Sam, Violet and Zachary and sister, Rosemary Ponte of Cookeville, Tennessee.
Pursuing the life of a gentleman farmer, Joe planted and nurtured a ten-acre avocado orchard in the quiet farmlands of South Florida's Redlands. An incredibly gifted engineer and craftsman, his innate ability to repair or rebuild anything from antique furniture to heavy machinery was quite renowned. He worked tirelessly and almost single-handedly throughout the years to maintain and protect his trees from insects to hurricanes. Possessing a genuinely kind and unassuming spirit, he loved to treat friends and family to shipments of he prized avocadoes throughout the growing season. He was a very special person and will be forever missed.
A private family service was held on April 24, 2024 at Palms Woodlawn Dignity Memorial Funeral Home in Naranja, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
A graveside service for Joe will be held Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Caballero Rivero Palms Woodlawn, 27100 OLD DIXIE HWY, NARANJA, FL 33032.
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