Joseph Richard Inge

Working in the tobacco fields taught Joe early lessons in leadership, the importance of hard work and love for family grounded in his deep faith in God. He was a 1965 graduate of Park View High School and a 1969 graduate of Virginia Tech, where he majored in Agricultural Economics and was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets. His commitment to Virginia Tech and the Corps was life-long and resulted in his recognition as a recipient of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021. He also earned a Master of Arts from Central Michigan University in Personnel Management and Administration.

Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Over the next 38 years, Joe proudly served his country in numerous leadership positions all over the world, achieving the rank of Lieutenant General before his retirement in 2007. His final assignment was Deputy Commander, United States Northern Command in Colorado Springs, CO. His decorations and badges achieved over his 38 year career of service to the nation include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Parachutist Badge, the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. His character, and legacy of integrity, honor, and trust live on with all those with whom he served.

Following his retirement, Joe settled in Williamsburg, VA, where he continued to serve his country and community. He led disaster and preparedness exercises in twenty-two African nations and served on the boards of several foundations and not for profit organizations, including the Commonwealth of Virginia Secure Commonwealth Panel and the Commission on Military and National Security Facilities for the Commonwealth. Joe also served as a Senior Fellow for the Joint Forces Staff College and supported the exercise program of the Army’s Future Warfare Division. His membership on the Board of the Virginia War Memorial Foundation and Civilian Marksmanship Program were especially rewarding in his retirement. He was also an active member of Williamsburg United Methodist Church.

Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda; his son MAJ Joseph Richard Inge, Jr. and his wife Rebecca; and his daughter, Amy Inge Pickler and her husband, COL Jeffrey Pickler. He took great pleasure in his six grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren, Everett, Linden, Eli, and Graham. Joe is also survived by his sisters, Joyce Inge French and Jeannie Inge (James Potter); sister in-law, Becky Inge; brother in-law, G.R. Creedle (Linda Creedle); and sisters in-law, Rose Sullivan and Judy Owens. He is also survived by multiple nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces, and uncles and aunts. Joe has reunited in heaven with his brother, Harrison Inge.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA, 23188. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, with a reception to follow at the church. Service Livestream can be found at williamsburgumc.org. Interment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Virginia War Memorial Foundation, 621 S Belvidere St., Richmond, VA 23220, or to an organization of your choice in Joe’s name. Condolences and messages to the family can also be sent online through Nelsen Funeral Home at the following link, www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.