Joseph Ring Altizer

Joe is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of 70 ½ years, Teena Padgett Altizer; and his adoring children, Debra Anne Furrh (Paul), and David Padgett Altizer (Melissa). Joe deeply loved his children, and frequently referred to David as his best friend. Additional survivors include his grandchildren Brittany Cope (Stephen), True Furrh (Kaci), Noah Furrh, Maddie Furrh, Kayla Altizer, KeyLee Altizer (Mike), and Zoe Martin; great-grandchildren Daisy Cope and Aiden Rains; Sister-in-Law Betty Altizer, and nephew Nick Altizer.

Born on January 8, 1927, to Mary and Joseph Altizer, Joe developed an unwavering love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from his mom, and an interest in railroads and mechanical engineering from his dad.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, John Altizer, with whom he shared a passion for flying; his grandson and namesake, Joseph Corbin Wray; and his granddaughters, Chloe and Nola Furrh.

Joe loved God, family and country with a passion that manifested itself in his decades-long membership at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed fellowship with the United Methodist Men. He could be seen most Sunday mornings enjoying a cup of coffee with friends after the early church service. His face lit up when family members joined him in “his” pew.

Joe was devoted to his beautiful bride, Teena, whom he married on June 29, 1953, in High Point, South Carolina. Over the decades Joe could frequently be overheard praising Teena’s cooking, child-rearing, dancing and general merry-making – her outgoing personality was a perfect complement to his reserved nature. Joe didn’t really dance but loved going to Bridge Harbor or the Lamplighter so Teena could dance the night away. He even took up square dancing for her! Joe also loved traveling, and he and Teena traveled throughout the USA, including Alaska and Hawaii, and made several memorable trips to Europe.

Joe was eager to serve his country and volunteered for the Army Air Corps before he graduated high school, resulting in his mom, like so many women of that time, accepting his diploma on his behalf while he was at basic training. Joe had earned his pilot’s license shortly after his 14th birthday, so was quickly assigned to fly the Douglas C 47 in the Pacific. After his honorable discharge in 1946, Joe attended Roanoke College (where he Lettered in Soccer) and Virginia Tech on the GI Bill, completing his studies in Mechanical Engineering in three years. Joe began his professional career with the Norfolk and Western Railroad, where he was the youngest mechanical engineer ever promoted to Roundhouse Forman.

In 1968, Joe and Teena moved from Virginia to Texas, after Joe accepted a position with Dow Chemical Company. Joe retired from Dow as a Maintenance Supervisor, responsible for power, gas and water in Plants A and B at the Dow Freeport, Texas, plant. At Dow, Joe was famous for having “just a half-a-cup of coffee” with foremen and co-workers throughout the plant. In Texas, Joe discovered his second passion – the Texas Gulf Coast. He built a beach house at Surfside over the course of 2 years with help from friends and his kids. Later, he bought a Carver boat (although Joe never managed to learn to swim despite many, many lessons), which he christened the Miss Teena in honor of his treasured wife, Teena. For many years Joe and Teena could be found on weekends hosting friends and family at the beach and aboard the Miss Teena. In his later years Joe would enjoy working on the beach house, never one to sit idle for very long. Joe also returned to flying in Texas, joining the Brazosport Flying Club. Joe routinely flew down to Palacios for lunch, and also enjoyed cross-country trips with his family using his instrument landing.

The family would like to thank care givers that helped Joe and Teena over the last year, ladies who Teena calls their angels.

Despite a lengthy illness that depleted his physical strength, Joe kept his faith and sense of humor, praying daily, holding Teena’s hand every night, loyally pulling for the Houston Rockets no matter their record in any single season, and joking with family, friends, and care givers until his last breath.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith. Timothy 4:7

Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Restwood Funeral Home, Clute, Texas. Funeral service will begin with a gathering at 3:00 p.m. and service at 3:30 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2024, at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, Lake Jackson, Texas, with private entombment to follow.