Joe Todd Caudill, Jr.'s Obituary
Joe Todd Caudill, Jr., age 92, went home to be with his Lord in Heaven on Thursday, June 13, 2019. He was born on August 14, 1926 in Ashe/Wilkes County of the Blue Ridge Mountains and grew up in the same area. His parents were Joe Todd Caudill, Sr., and Millie Miller Caudill.
He attended Big Ivey School after which he joined the Civil Conservation Corps. Wanting to serve his country, he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 attending Book Camp training at Green Bay, WI. He served on ship USS LST-495 and participated in the invasion of Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. He transported wounded troops and prisoner to England. From England, he went to Africa where supplies were obtained and transported to Naples, Italy, for the invasion of Southern France. Joe was wounded in Southern France and received a Purple Heart. He was sent to Chelsea Naval Hospital for recovery and Honorably Discharged from Springfield Rehabilitation Hospital in Springfield, MA., on March 20, 1945. He returned to Wilkes County and attended Clevenger College.
Joe worked at Central Motor Lines for 29 years and also for other trucking companies during his career with a record of “41 years Safe Driving Award.” He attended Statesville Road Baptist Church for 54 years, serving as Deacon, Treasurer/Secretary and also in the choir. He was a faithful member of Northdale Baptist Church for more than ten years prior to his passing. Joe served as a role model by being a kind, compassionate person to all people.
Joe married Inez Triplett in 1951 and they were married for 45 years until Inez lost her battle with cancer in 1995. He is also predeceased by a son, Larry Caudill and brother, Bill Caudill, sisters; Shelby, Marie, “Teen” and Nell.
He is survived by his son, Steven J. Caudill (Cynthia) of Rock Hill, SC, five grandchildren; Grant Caudill (Shannon), Brad Caudill (Stephanie), Shane Caudill (Allison), Anna Rowley (Ryan), and Sera Lind, five great-grandchildren; McKenzie, Kailee, Chase, Abi, and Aiden, a brother, Delmer Caudill and a daughter-in-law, Brenda Caudill.
Joe’s family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 pm, Monday, June 17 at James Funeral Home, 10520 Arahova Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078. His Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 5560 Mt. Zion Rd, Ferguson, NC 28624 with Dr. Dennis Benton officiating. Burial will follow immediately following the service in the church cemetery with Naval Military Honors.
Memorials may be made in Joe’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=wtg-lz-donatenow.
James Funeral Home is serving the family and condolences may be sent to the family at our website: www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com
What’s your fondest memory of Joe?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joe?
Share a story where Joe's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joe you’ll never forget.
How did Joe make you smile?
