Joe Benny Erwin

Joe Benny Erwin, age 85, passed on to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Joe was born on January 23, 1938, in Fairfield, Alabama, to Jasper and Ruby (Landers) Erwin. He was the youngest and last surviving of 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Together, they grew up in Docena, Alabama where Joe graduated from Minor High School as President of his Senior Class of 1956.

As a young man, he served 6 years in the 117th AL Air National Guard being called to active duty one time. He married his sweetheart, Gail (Hardin). They were married for over 65 years after meeting as 16-year-olds at church. They had three children: Greg, Missy, and Cynthia Jane (baby, deceased). Joe worked 38 years for AmSouth Bank as Assistant VP and Purchasing Agent.

Joe was a genuinely kind-hearted man. To know him was to admire and love him. Generous, funny, faithful, smart and strong, he was always a giver, ready to help anyone in need. He attended Oak Valley Baptist Church in Franklin, TN.

He and Gail enjoyed the outdoors, feeding birds and wildlife, visiting family and friends, exploring the National Parks and camping in their travel trailer in Florida. He enjoyed playing card games and dominoes, reading the funny papers, watching racing, comedies, and war movies, decorating for Christmas, and listening to country and gospel music. He also loved football and was a lifelong Alabama fan.

As a loving and supportive father figure, Joe was adored by his family and is survived by his devoted wife, Gail (Franklin, TN) of 65 years, his son, daughter, and their families: Greg and wife Sandy with son Ryan (Franklin, TN); Missy and husband Tom Horesh with daughters Brooke (Brentwood, TN) and Lila (Boston, MA).

Sweet memories of Joe B. Erwin, an honorable man, will live on in the hearts of many. He will be greatly missed.

With gratitude, to celebrate Joe’s life and his memory, visitation and funeral will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road Pelham, AL 35124, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and funeral service beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery.

A luncheon reception with Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ will be held immediately after the burial at Hyatt Place Birmingham/Hoover, 2980 John Hopkins Pkwy Hoover, AL 35244.