Mr. Joseph Thomas Googe Sr., 86

Mr. Joseph Thomas Googe Sr., 86, of Stockbridg, passed away Sept. 13.
Mr. Googe was born July 4, 1940, in Baxley to the late Jerry Oneal Googe and the late Alma Oberry Googe and was a member of St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in McDonough.
He was raised on the family farm and learned the value of hard work, early mornings and a deep appreciation for the land. In his youth, he was a stand-out athlete, proudly playing basketball for Jeff Davis High School and carrying that competitive spirit with him as he coached his younger sons in baseball.
After leaving the farm, he traveled to Canada on several occasions, where he worked and assisted with tobacco farming. Those experiences were part of a life in which he never shied away from hard work or from learning something new.
He later worked for Kaiser/Warren Refrigeration. When he was asked to join the union, he made the decision to move on and pursue a different path. That decision led him into the food industry, where he built an extraordinary career.
He worked for Mrs. Kinser’s Homestyle Foods, based in Tennessee. Beginning in Atlanta, he helped the company establish its business there. From Atlanta, he helped open a facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, area and later moved to Tifton, where he helped establish another facility. The years, from 1972 through 1982, were a testament to his ability to work hard, solve problems, build relationships and help turn opportunities into successful businesses.
In 1982, he began working for Ruth’s Salads, a Charlotte, N.C., company in the same general food industry. He served as Vice President of Sales from 1982 until 1986. During those years, he continued to develop the relationships, knowledge and experience that would shape the next chapter of his life.
He helped the owners of Ruth’s Salads establish Mid-South Brokerage in Charlotte. And, in 1988, he embarked one of the defining achievements of his professional life.
Together with his brother, Ralph, he founded Googe Brothers, Inc. What began as a family business grew into a highly successful food brokerage company known throughout the Southern United States. From 1986 until 2015, he dedicated himself to the company as a co-owner and meat broker, developing relationships with food-service businesses and retail stores across 11 states.
Known for his integrity and keen business, he built lasting relationships across the industry and was highly respected by his colleagues and clients. Outside of work, he was a true outdoorsman who found his greatest peace in nature. Whether he was waiting patiently for a bite on a quiet lake or walking the fields during a crisp morning of bird hunting, he was happiest in the great outdoors. When he wasn’t in the field or on the water, he could be found cheering passionately for his favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves. Above all, he will be remembered for his warm personality, quick wit and unique eye for detail. He possessed a classic, old-school charm and was famously known for making sure his hair looked its best.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Googe of Stockbridge; sons Joseph Thomas (Carla) Googe Jr. of Ty Ty, Joshua Adam (Heather) Googe of Jackson, and Jonathan Justin (Julie) Googe of McDonough; sister Robinette Googe Williams of Newnan; sisters-in-law Carolyn Googe and Dyane Googe both of Hazlehurst; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Sept. 17 at Philadelphia Methodist Church in Hazlehurst with services following with the Rev. Michael Sanes and the Rev. Steven Riddle officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Joseph Thomas Googe Jr., Joshua Adam Googe, Jonathan Justin Googe, Jonathan Hunter Googe, Joshua Adam McDaniel and Zachary Thomas Googe.
Swain Funeral Home Hazlehurst Chapel was in charge.