Joe Edward Hitch Sr. ²

Worked and retired from AT&T. Owns an art gallery.

Joe Edward Hitch Sr.; Knoxville, TN

Joe Edward Hitch Sr. (89) passed away surrounded by family and friends on March 30, 2018. Preceded in death by parents Joe and Lena (Long) Hitch; Son in law Gerald Nelson; Sister Eva Lee Davis; Brothers Glen Hitch and Fred Hitch. Joe lived a long, active fulfilling life with his bride of 66 years, Louise. He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the Navy. After retiring from South Central Bell, he increased his time serving others through volunteering. He and Louise volunteered with the American Red Cross for over 50 years and received an award from Elizabeth Dole for their many years of service. Mr. Hitch was also Past President of Fountain City Town Hall. They also volunteered and were Co-Presidents of the Parent Teacher Counselor Association at the Tennessee School for the Deaf. They also volunteered at the Knoxville Police Department, Knox County Sheriff's Department, as well as other local events and organizations. Joe's volunteer hours are too many to count and awards are too many to list. In fact, he often quoted Albert Einstein, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." His most dedicated work came in the last few years of his life as he cared for his wife who he was losing to Alzheimer's; he never left her side. Joe is survived by his wife Louise (Harkness) Hitch. Mr. Hitch is survived by Sons Joe Jr. (John), Brian (Denise), Tim; Daughter Kathleen Nelson; Grandchildren Andrew (Missy), Brian II, Wesley; Great Grandchild Seamus; Sister in law Maxine Hitch; several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Melissa and Diane and other caregivers. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 5pm to 7pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home 2300 Adair Dr. with funeral service to follow. Graveside service will be Thursday at 2pm at Lynnhurst Cemetery.

Joe married Louise Bertha Harkness, daughter of Alfred Harkness and Gertrude Broadhurst Gunn, on 17 May 1952 in Elizabeth City, Pasquotank Co., NC.¹ (Louise Bertha Harkness was born on 02 Jun 1928 in Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY ^{1 3} and died on 09 Mar 2019 in Knoxville, Knox Co., TN.)