Joe Towner Jr.

Joe Towner Jr. of Seaside, Ca. departed from this earth to be with his Lord and Savior on February 08, 2021 at the age of 85. He was a loving and devoted husband , father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.

He was born August 25, 1935 to parents Joe and Onie Towner in Womack Hill, Alabama and was raised in Chatom, Alabama . Joe was named Albert Towner after his grandfather and after several spankings from his grandfather changed his own name to Joe Towner after his father. He left school in the 10th grade to go to work to seek better opportunities. He then joined the military and made a career of it. After retiring he used his GI Bill to go to college and received his AA degree from MPC then went on to get his BA from Golden Gate University.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory the love of his life Louise Towner and their two loving children Lenita Towner and Joseph towner(Emily). His sisters Caroline, Rosalie and Theresa Towner. His grandchildren ,Deonte Towner, Joseph Towner (Jo Jo) , Brianna and Alexis Samuel and Nina Williams. A very special nephew, Tyrone Moore and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Onie Towner, his sister Elzora, brothers Grady Lee, Willie Cornelius and Earl Lee Towner.

If you asked a thousand people who Joe Towner Jr. was they’d all give you similar but different stories. For some he was the best friend they ever had, for others he was the exceptionally loving father of his two loving children Lenita and Joe Towner but served as a father figure to many who graced his house and enjoyed his presence and his infectious smile. Others will tell you he was a gentle giant, whose quiet strength held a calming peacefulness to all who he came in contact with. A superhero to his children and grandchildren he was always there to lend a helping hand, sound advice and a chuckle to lighten a load. He was the epitome of a true gentleman and a watchman on the wall not just for his family but for the entire neighborhood. He was the neighborhood watch for over 56 years.

It’s no surprise that Sergeant Joe Towner wasn't just a valiant hero that served his country proudly and retired having received various military awards and certificates in recognition of his superior leadership qualities and instructional teaching and learning abilities . Joe was awarded the Silver Star Medal. The Silver Star Medal is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. The Silver Star Medal is awarded primarily to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Joe was also awarded the Bronze Medal which is The Bronze Star Medal ,a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. He was quite the man watchman on the battlefield as he was on the homefront. He was also seen as a hero to those in his family and his children’s friends. After retiring from the military, Joe still got up early every morning and fixed his children's lunches including Bill Cosby’s good ole chocolate pudding that he fixed for his children Joe whom he affectionately called by his middle name, Gerard and Lenita who he lovingly called by her nickname Tickle. His infectious laugh and smile at family gatherings always lighted up the room.

Joe also had quite a positive impact on a lot of the younger kids that hung around. Danny Olis he called the D (Disco dan) Charles Watson he named scuttlebucket, Tony Lewis he called Hiawatha because of his long wavy Indian inspired hairstyle. There is also Bridgette Allen-Murray who was always dressed and powdered. He called her Tammy Faye Baker. These are just some of the endearing nicknames of some of the children who frequented the Towner residence and were always greeted with a smile, kindness and their nicknames.

Joe Towner leaves a legacy of love, commitment and family first..He will be greatly missed but we know we shall see him again in that great getting up morning.