Joseph Orr Obituary

Joseph Marion Orr, born September 3, 1934 in Adamsburg, South Carolina, passed away on October 13, 2025, leaving a loving family and a life filled with grandchildren, friends and anyone needing a hand. He is especially remembered by his grandchildren for their frequent visits to the "push up store" for ice cream after playing in the park.

Spending his youth on a farm in South Carolina, and later moving to Allen Park, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, Joseph graduated high school in 1952 and joined the US Air Force, serving stateside during the Korean War. It was there he was trained and worked on B-47 aircraft as a tail gunner technician at Lowry AFB in Denver, Colorado and later at Chennault AFB in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Our father fondly remembered his time in the Air Force as it always held a special place in his heart.

It was in Eunice, Louisiana where he met his future wife, Anna. They would marry in 1956, living in Lake Charles and later Morgan City, LA. After his discharge from the Air Force, Joseph began a career as a diesel mechanic, spending a lifetime working on Caterpillar tractors, a brand he loved and respected his entire life. We all grew up with a fondness for Caterpillar yellow.

Moving to Mississippi in 1962, and working for Gilchrist Tractor Company, and later Puckett Machinery, his time in the profession started as a mechanic, and worked his way to Service Manager and later Technical Advisor, with infrequent trips to Peoria, Illinois to resolve technical problems.

While doing so, Joseph established a life for his faith and family. Volunteering as an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 22 provided years of friends and outdoor experiences - all complimented by camping, hiking and bicycling with his family and grandchildren. Joseph was active in our community, helping construct homes with Habitat for Humanity, serving as a board member for Birthright of Jackson, Inc., membership in the Clinton Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and even selling Christmas trees at St. Therese Catholic Church.

His faith was demonstrated by helping those in need, and attending Holy Savior Catholic Church in Clinton until health issues intervened. Joseph also periodically spent time as a driver for Bishop Houck with the Diocese of Jackson. Our dad was never one to miss church, and the family is grateful to Mike Harkins who administered the Eucharist at home for our Father in the later years of his life. I know this was important to him

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Smith Orr and Amelia Starsnich Orr, and by his beloved wife, Anna Bergeron Orr, from Eunice LA, who passed away in 2024. All are interred at Lakewood Memorial in Clinton, surrounded by a lifetime of friends. Joseph is survived by all five children; Nancy Potter (Chip) of Roanoke VA; Julia Williams (Mike) of Madison, MS; Joseph Jr. (Lisa) of Madison, MS; James Orr (Patti) of Hernando, MS; and Jeffery Orr of Clinton, MS, as well as 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18th at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Clinton, MS with Mass of a Christian Burial following at 2:00 p.m. Joseph will be laid to rest in Lakewood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, Joseph may be honored and remembered by having a Mass offered in his name at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Clinton, or any Catholic Church of your choosing.