SUMMERFIELD — Mr. Joseph Wayne Altizer, Sr., 65, passed away on Sunday February 3, 2013, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 8, at First Baptist Church of Summerfield, with Dr. Richard Odom officiating. Burial, with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at noon on Friday at the church.
A native of Oak Hill, W. Va., Mr. Altizer was born on September 7, 1947, the son of the late William E. Altizer, Jr. and Marjorie Pauline Mullins Altizer. Joe came to North Carolina twenty-three years ago with the Kroger Grocery Company, but retired from Guilford County Schools. He was a proud veteran of the US Army, having served in the Vietnam War. Joe was an active member and "soldier for Christ" at First Baptist Church of Summerfield and was also involved in the Cowboy Church ministry. Additionally, he was a member of the Midway and Monroeton VFW Post 8297. On October 24, 1969, he married the love of his life, Glenna Kay Matney.
Surviving are his wife of forty-three years, Glenna of the home; a son Joseph Wayne Altizer, Jr. and his wife, Lara, of Marietta, Ga.; brothers Billy Altizer and David Altizer of Tazewell, Va., and Timothy Altizer of Moyock, NC; a sister Rebecca Guinn of Ft. Royal, Va.; granddaughter Shelby Yarbrough; brothers-in-law Edward Matney of Grundy, Va. and Gregory Matney of Bristol, Va.; sister-in-law Pamela Bland of Roanoke, Va.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Joe was a fun loving God-fearing man. He loved his wife and family unconditionally. Joe felt blessed to be a member of First Baptist Church of Summerfield and the Cowboy Church ministry. He was always telling strangers of God's graces and how important Jesus was in his life. He was passionate about giving out his cowboy church cards, BBN cards and mints. Many people came to know Christ through his actions. Joe's philosophy was "if you can't say something good, don't say anything" He truly walked this path. His sense of humor brought sunshine to all. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Joe is now smiling down on us and continues to praise our Lord Jesus Christ.
Memorials may be directed to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, the Midway Monroeton VFW Post 8297, 961 Church Street Ext., Reidsville, NC 27320, or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
Forbis & Dick Brooke Chapel is serving the family and on-line condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com
