Joe Leverette

Rev. Joe Leverette, 75, a resident of Honoraville, Alabama, passed away at Baptist Medical Center South on Saturday, August 10th, 2024. Funeral services for Joe will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, August 14th, at Union Baptist Church with Rev. Dale Brown, Rev. Morgan Bailey, and Rev. Jim Looney officiating. Interment will then follow in the cemetery there at the church. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 13th, from 6 to 8 PM and he will lie-in-state at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service.

Joe grew up in Honoraville and later transferred to Highland Home High School where he became the valedictorian of the Class of 1967. He later went on to earn his Bachelor's of Science in Accounting from Troy State University in 1971. He started his professional career as an office manager for Pioneer Electric in Greenville before moving to Clarke-Washington EMC in Jackson. He later worked as an auditor for the State of Alabama Public Service Commission until his retirement. However, Joe felt his true calling was in serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He became an ordained minister on November 7, 1975 at Gravel Hill Baptist Church and continued with his passion for preaching for the rest of his life. He served at multiple churches across the state where he especially loved working in men's ministry as he faithfully toiled to meet the needs of others. He spent 50 blessed years preaching the Word of his Lord to all those who would listen until his health finally reached the point where he had to fully retire from what he loved doing the most. What made Joe so special is that he fully realized that the Lord made all of us in His image so that's how we should treat each other.

Joe never met a stranger (which preacher has?), and he endeared himself to so many everywhere he went. His generosity of spirit was a sight to behold because he gave fully with both hands. He was well-known for stopping anytime he saw someone broken down on the side of the road. Like the Good Samaritan, he never believed in leaving anyone stranded when he was able to help. Between his day jobs and his ministry, Joe never found a whole lot of time for pastimes and hobbies, but he did occasionally find the time to work with wood trying out his carpentry skills, as well as a little farming, fishing, and turkey hunting. However, there was simply nothing he loved more than the time he was able to spend with his family. He loved his wife and children with all of his heart, but those little ones who called him "Grandfather" simply held a very special place in his heart. He supported them in every aspect of their lives, from school activities to sporting events, he was always there. They were the pride of his life and they thrived under his love. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him, but they will find comfort in the days ahead knowing he has reached his well-deserved heavenly reward.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Baxton & Minerva Thomas Leverette; brother, William Leverette; and sisters-in-law, Betty Leverette and Jannene Bowen. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Nan Bowen Leverette; their beloved children, Kendall (Starla) Leverette and Mitzi (Dale) Brown; grandchildren, Andrew, Gracie, Noah, & Hannah Brown and Josie & Bowen Leverette; brother, Tommy (Nancy) Leverette; brother-in-law, Artie Bowen; sisters-in-law, Brenda Bowen and Shelby Welch; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Faron Frazier, Kenny Wayne Frazier, Wally Lacey, Andrew Brown, Ken Faircloth, Scott Thierfelder, Chris White, and Grey Mills.