Joe Frank Redding

(August 26, 1922 - January 17, 2007)

        Joe Frank Redding was bom on August 26, 1922 in Griffin, Georgia to the union of the late Mr. & Mrs. Joe and Bessie Redding. Joe Frank called himself "Joseph" and was the second oldest of seven children: he had one brother, Robert (deceased), and five sisters, Opal, Clementine (deceased), Rebecca (deceased), Lizzie (deceased), and Hazel.

Joe was educated in the Georgia Public School system. He served in the United States Army during WWII and was honorably discharged. After returning from the military, Joe migrated to Chicago, Illinois to obtain a better life for himself. He retired from the U.S. Post Office and continued to occupy himself by working for Flair Cleaners until he was truly ready to retire.

Joe was a person who lived his life the way he wanted to and no one could ever change that. Joe Frank loved to travel and was noted for just jumping into his full size, eight cylinder. Chevy Caprice and heading south or east to visit family members and friends. He would usually arrive in the early morning hours, his big voice was unmistakeable even though he had a slight frame. His nieces and nephews would all jump out of bed and rush to greet Uncle Joe. His very presence commanded respect and you made sure that you gave it to him. Joe Frank was a born storyteller and he often gave commentaries on his life's experiences. Be it stories of his younger days, his Army tour, or his traveling up and down the freeways; the more he told his stories the more they would get embellished.

He departed this life on, January 17,2007 at 11:40 p.m. forsaking the well-traveled roads in this world to travel on in the next.

He leaves behind to mourn: wife, Barbara Redding; three daughters, Bessie J. Redding, Lolita Martin, Juanita Williams (Willie);

three sons, Joseph F. Redding Jr. (Tamulea), Raymond Paris, and Samuel Redding (deceased); two sisters, Opal Fletcher and Hazel Thomas; three brothers-in-law. Sheik, Joseph (Julliett) and Richard;

two sisters-in-law, Shirley and Jeannette; 17 grandchildren, 24 great­grandchildren and a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

You presence will be missed.