Joseph Emmitt Silcox, Jr. passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the age of 88 just 5 days before turning 89.  He was counting down the days!

Silcox was born on January 26, 1935, in Fairhope, Alabama, to Joseph Emmitt Silcox, Sr. and Stella Chavers Silcox. On December 24, 1955, he married Bonnie Voncile Ward at Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church in McDavid, Florida, and together they raised 5 children. They were married for 67 years.

Silcox served in the United States Air Force for 20 years. His career began at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, moving on to Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. He was based both stateside and abroad, living in Sacramento, California, France, Marysville, California, and Wiesbaden, Germany. His first retirement came while stationed at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.  Following a move to Cantonment, Florida, where he worked with his brother Floyd in the home-building industry, he moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee to attend Tennessee Temple University.  Later, he and Bonnie settled on the beautiful Cumberland Plateau finally making their permanent home in Crossville, Tennessee.

Silcox enjoyed a 10 year career with AME Siding in Crossville and retired in 2000. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed many hours helping out his friends at Plateau Metal. He could often be found working away in his own workshop crafting small pieces of furniture or enjoying his favorite pastime inventing useful gadgets to make life easier and sending several items to patent agencies for assistance. Most of all he enjoyed reading his Bible and studying scripture. Silcox became a Christian as a teenager and grew a strong foundation of faith in Christ; he had an enduring faith which he passed down to his family.  He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Crossville.

Silcox was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph Emmitt Silcox, Sr. and Stella Chavers Silcox; brothers: Wayne Silcox and Floyd Silcox; sisters: Carlotta and Edna; wife: Bonnie Voncile Ward Silcox; daughter: Noella Renee Silcox Westman; and granddaughter: Stephanie Christine Bell.

Affectionately known as Papa Joe, he is survived by his children, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; daughter: Rebekah Louise Bell (Steve) and their children, Katherine Irene Hill (husband Christopher), Jennifer Dianne Huggins (husband Christopher); grandchildren Jason Westman (wife Kristin), Laura Westman Hawks (husband Michael), Bobby Westman, Paul Westman; son Joseph Emmitt Silcox III and wife, Vangie, their children, Naomi Slavish (husband Michael), Natalie Dorfsmith (husband Daniel), Nikki Silcox, and Emili Silcox; son Daniel Thomas Silcox, his daughter Katie Nutt (husband Brandon); and daughter Lydia Rainell Silcox, her children Jenna Kenshin, Jared Burgess and Jacob Burgess (wife Erin).

The family would like to thank the many nurses and hospice care staff who visited with and cared for Joe in his final days.

Visitation will be at Crossville Memorial Funeral home on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 5 until 7 p.m.