Joe Gadson Obituary

Today, we thank God for His Everlasting Grace and Mercy. We are grateful for the life Joe Louis lived and the love he shared with us all.
Joe Louis Gadson, 82, departed this life peacefully on August 29, 2024, surrounded by his children and family at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Joe Louis, fondly known as Joe or Bubba, was born on August 28, 1942, in Beaufort, South Carolina, to Eliza Mary and Joseph Gadson.
He loved his mother and father dearly. Joe later met Laura Mae Jenkins in Beaufort, South Carolina, and married her on August 13, 1960. This union was blessed with eight beautiful children: Elaine, Mae, Joe Louis Jr., Rufus, James, Michael, Malisa, and Mary Ann. Joe Louis and Laura then relocated with their family to New York City, where they raised their children. He loved taking family trips to Sunken Meadows State Park with a bushel of blue crabs to cook on the grill.
We visited Coney Island in Brooklyn and traveled to Rochester, Auburn, New York, and of course, summers in Beaufort, South Carolina, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Joe Louis went to school in New York, where he obtained the number one CDL license in the state, an accomplishment he was very proud of. He worked for Keystone Distribution Company. Driving was one of his passions. He was known as an excellent and safe driver. In addition, he was a great mathematician. His favorite baseball team was the New York Mets, and his favorite football team was the New York Giants.
Joe was a faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Beaufort, South Carolina since 1995, where he also taught Sunday school. He was dedicated to sharing the word of God, helping to guide others spiritually, and bringing them to Christ.
Joe Louis was fearless, resilient, and protective, often advocating for himself and others. He would never back down from a challenge and had a great sense of humor. He was also a man of routine, always doing things on a set schedule. His grandchildren knew this well and would playfully scatter and run from room to room whenever they heard him approaching, trying to avoid Grandpa's watchful eye, all in good fun.
Joe is Survived by his brother, Jonas Willie Gadson, and his Sisters Alethia Gadson of St. Helena Island, Ethel Sarah Gadson of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and Minnie Pearl Sister-in-law.
Surviving Children, Elaine Gadson, Mae Texiera, Rufus Gadson- Daughter-in-Law, Karen Gadson, Michael Gadson- Daughter-in-Law, Kadesha Y. Gadson, Mary Ann Gadson Jean- Son- in- Law, Philippe Jean
Surviving grandchildren, Lena S. Pullum, Octavia Texiera, Olivia Grand-Pierre, Grandson-in-Law, Lawrence Grand-Pierre, Thomas Texiera, Troy Texiera, Wynter Gadson, April Gadson, Amber Gadson, Malcolm Gadson, Michaela Gadson, J'nar Braxton Gadson, Brandon Crandell, Lauren Crandell, Victorious Jean, Honesty Jean and a host of 18 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was Predeceased by his wife Laura Mae Gadson, and Predeceased Children, Joe Louis Gadson Jr., James Gadson, and Malisa D. Gadson of Brooklyn, NY, and his siblings, Emily Gadson, Abraham Gadson, and Joseph Gadson and Lillian Holmes of Beaufort, South Carolina.
Services: A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 1629 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, followed by a service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Livestream is available on YouTube beginning at 10 a.m. Please go to YouTube and search, Joe Gadson Funeral Service at 10 a.m. or later to join the service. You may also view the recorded version at a later date and time by the same search. Interment to follow in Garden of Peace Cemetery in Whitehall.
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