Joseph Blondell McFadden

Francis Joseph Blondell “Joe” McFadden, 85, of Alpharetta, GA passed away peacefully at the Gardens of Roswell on Tuesday November 1, 2016 after a period of declining health. Joe was born on January 9, 1931 to Chester Paul McFadden and Charlotte Gertrude Blondell McFadden in Baltimore, MD. He had a lifelong devotion to his family, his work and his faith. His enduring belief in GOD and his savior Jesus Christ is engraved forever on a brick in Olympic Park in Atlanta, GA that reads “Jesus Loves Joe McFadden.” Joe grew up in Baltimore, MD with his three sisters: Helen Chester McFadden-Mullins; Jeanne C. McFadden-Parish; and Mary Ida McFadden-McNamara. He graduated from The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland in 1950 where he was a three-year letterman and earned All-Maryland honors in three sports: football, basketball (captain), and lacrosse. Joe went on to attend the University of Baltimore and play lacrosse before deciding to join the Marines in 1953. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Japan for 18 months. Upon his honorable discharge, Joe went to work for a fine men’s clothing store in Philadelphia and was hired in 1958 to represent Gant Shirts. Joe went on to cover the Southeastern United States for Gant Shirts and other clothing lines until his retirement in 1994. In 1960, Joe married the former Nancy Lee Sanford. Shortly thereafter they moved to Atlanta, GA where they lived until 2005 when they moved to Cashiers, NC. Joe and Nancy were married for 52 years and were blessed with four daughters: Megan, Amy, Beth and Jo Ellen. Joe was also a tennis fanatic for over 50 years, playing daily in various tennis groups including: the Atlanta Lawn and Tennis Association, the Brittany Club in Atlanta and the Cedar Creek Racquet Club in Cashiers, NC. After retiring, Joe combined his faith with his outgoing personality and started teaching water aerobics to senior citizens all over Atlanta. He also enjoyed visiting various nursing homes to sing and pray with residents and volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Chester McFadden and Charlotte McFadden and his sisters Chessie Mullins and Jeanne Parish. Joe is survived by his sister Pud McNamara in Naples, FL, daughters Megan Ann McFadden-Cross (David) in Orlando, FL, Amy Leigh McFadden-Clavijo (Danny) in Alpharetta, GA, Mary Beth McFadden-Boyd (Ashley) in Charleston, SC and Jo Ellen McFadden-Kanner (Howard) in Rockledge, FL; and eight grandchildren: Ashley Cross, Curry Cross, Matt Clavijo, Natalie Clavijo, Charlotte Boyd, Blake Boyd, Bryce Kanner and Quinn Kanner. Joe will also be missed by his devoted caregivers Shaunta Wolfe, Kiki Cook, and Saulena Briggs along with his constant companion for the past 12 years, his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Lilly. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday January 21, 2017 in Atlanta, GA.