Dalis "Joe" Marjoe Whited

Joe was born in Chattahoochee, Gadsden County, FL on May 6, 1927. He was the only child born to his parents, William Chalmas Whited and Alice Elizabeth Earnest Whited. His parents were laid to rest at Poley Branch Cemetery, in Juniper, Gadsden County, FL.

Joe spent his childhood in Gadsden County roaming the woods with his friends, playing in the branch and avoiding panthers as he walked home.

After his father’s death, he drove the school bus while he was still in school and then joined the US Army in order to help support his mother.

After an Honorable Discharge from the Army in March 1947, Joe returned home. He began working on the Jim Woodruff Dam construction in Chattahoochee, FL. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Laura Jean Bevis Whited, who preceded him in death October 23, 1993.

Joe and Laura moved to Tallahassee, FL in 1955-56 and Joe worked for Sears and Roebuck as the Warehouse Manager and retired from Sears as a store salesman/manager of the Tool & Hardware department. He and Laura owned and operated The Feed Store in Tallahassee for many years.

Joe then started driving and escorting big rigs across the United States. He loved nature, animals, plants and the wonders of God’s creation. This was probably his favorite work he did in his lifetime. It afforded him the opportunity to travel and enjoy the beauty of God’s handiwork. He shared this love in the many, many pictures he took on the road and shared the images and stories of different locations. The family has buckets and buckets and piles of rocks that he brought home with stories of where they were found and what Fossils you could see in each one.

But of all the things he loved, he loved the Lord, his family and his friends. Joe and Laura were members of Indian Springs Baptist Church from 1967 until their deaths.

Joe is survived by his and Laura’s four children, Lynn Whited McGrady, Joel Whited, Laura Whited Bryant, and Steven Whited; granddaughters, Tanya McGrady Sigvaldson, Julia Whited Gerrell (Eli), Maria Whited McCreless (Eric), Stephanie Whited DiLorenzo (Steve), Brandy Whited; grandsons, Joe McGrady (Lisa), Andrew Bryant, Jr., Chad Whited; great-granddaughter and namesake, Dalis Olivia; great-granddaughters, Morgan, Skyler, Lyla, and Aubrey; great-grandsons, Austin, Everett, Kade, Kody, Brantley, Matthew, Bryson and Elijah. That’s a total of 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren and they all loved their Grandpa Dalis.

After his wife Laura’s death in 1993, Joe moved to the woods of Smith Creek, FL to hunt, fish and spend time with his youngest son Steven and his family and his 3 Langston nephews and their families. This gave him time to mourn her loss but also grow even closer to this part of the family.

After he returned to Tallahassee and resumed his life, he filled it with time spent with family and loved ones. As his health failed, he lived with his children in their homes until he helped build his room at Lynn’s and called that home. Nancy Whitty started visiting him during this time as a Hospice volunteer, and continued to visit him for 8 years, up to his death, and Carol Aman was faithful to visit.

Eventually, he said it was time for him to go to Brynwood Nursing Home in Monticello, FL due to the level of care he required. In the 3 years he was at Brynwood he came “home” almost every Saturday or Sunday and always looked forward to sitting in his recliner listening to his favorite gospel and country music, watching NASCAR, and looking for birds, deer and rabbits in the yard. But mostly he enjoyed visiting with whoever could come visit him that day.

While at Brynwood he made many friends. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, and a “Please” and “Thank you” for everyone.

He loved his friends and family but had a heart big enough to make friends anywhere he went… and he did.

He always made the best of whatever situation life handed to him. He didn’t always like it, but he always adjusted.

He loved life, he loved everyone, and everyone loved him back. He will be greatly missed.