Joseph Charles Whitehead

To Joseph Charles Whitehead, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For "Joe", bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. "Joe" really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so. "Joe" was born on January 12, 1989 at Springhill Hospital in Mobile, AL. His parents were Melanie Miller and Mark Goodhue. "Joe" was raised in Creola, Axis, Alabama. Even as a child, "Joe" had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family. Always a good playmate, "Joe" was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, "Joe" managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. "Joe" was raised with two siblings. Destin Goodhue and Jessica Whitehead. All of "Joe"'s playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, "Joe" experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in Football and Baseball. In his spare time he liked Football and Swimming. Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that "Joe" was a class “cut-up.” He didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, "Joe" simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for "Joe", grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” "Joe" graduated from Satsuma High School in 2007. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Coleman 4th Grade. "Joe" never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed "Joe" to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. "Joe" delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, "Joe" was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. "Joe" utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jeffery Miller. "Joe" loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew. "Joe" was an Marine Veteran. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of E-4. He received several awards including a Purple Heart. "Joe" enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, "Joe" liked creating and making things. His favorite pursuits were Fishing, Swimming, Mud ridding. "Joe" was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. "Joe" felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if he wasn’t the best, "Joe" loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. "Joe" relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, "Joe" never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. In high school, "Joe" played Football. Recreational sports included Fishing. "Joe" was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Alabama Football. "Joe" had an endless appetite for new and different activities. He was always ready to join in the fun and add his flair and energy to an organization. Because of his personality, his humor, and his ability to get along with everyone, "Joe"'s service was greatly valued by the organizations to which he belonged. Throughout his later years, "Joe" was an active member of the Marines. Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, "Joe" recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member of Orchard Assembly of God for nine years. Living life in the fast lane suited "Joe" just fine. It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included Presley's Lake Camping. "Joe" was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of "Joe"'s favorites was Sash, a cat. They were best friends for 4 years. "Joe" passed away on January 17, 2011 at War of Helmond Provience Afphagainstain. He is survived by Mother-Melanie Miller, Father-Mark Goodhue, Brother-Destin Goodhue, & Sister-Jessica Whitehead. Services were held at Serenity Funeral Home. "Joe" was laid to rest in Garden of Honor in Serenity Memorial Gardens. "Joe" brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Joseph Charles Whitehead lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.

Tributes

Joseph Charles Whitehead

January 12, 1989 - January 17, 2011