Joseph Alexander Milton Jr.

Joseph Alexander Milton, Jr, age 101, of Thomasville, GA, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024. Born in Quitman, GA, on July 31, 1922, to Joseph Alexander Milton, Sr, and Eva Floyce Milton, he graduated from Quitman High and then Freeman’s Business College. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force where he served until 1946.

Joe married Emily Smith in July 12,1945. After his Honorable Discharge from service, they moved to Thomasville and had five children: Alan Milton (Susan-deceased), Martin Milton (Dianne), Gary Milton (Gale), David Milton (deceased), and Helen Milton Meeks (Randall); 11 grandchildren: Alison Welch (Jacob), Jeremy Bill (Sarah), A.J. Milton (Morgan), Alex Milton (Jessica), Suzanne Milton, Valerie Duncan (Kyle), Derek Milton (Tara), Matthew Milton (Kayla), Lara Clay (Paul), Brenna Meeks, and Kayla Meeks; and 12 great-grandchildren. Joe and Emily were married 76 years, until her death on their anniversary on July 12, 2021.

Joe was an active member of First Baptist Church of Thomasville for many years, serving on adult mission trips, as a deacon, a member of the adult choir and the Young-At-Heart program. He was also a member and officer of the Lions Club and in the Golden K Kiwanis Club. He retired from Southwestern State Hospital in 1995.

A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, “Papa Joe,” as he became known, served his country, family, and community well. He led a Bible Study group at Southern Pines until shortly before he broke his hip in November 2023.

Visitation will be held at 1:00pm in the chapel of Allen & Allen Funeral Home (110 W Hansell St, Thomasville, GA 31792) with funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm. Interment will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery. The Reverend Andy Fowler will officiate. Joe’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International at www.gideons.org/donate or Thomasville First Baptist Church (fbcthomasville.com) 210 N Broad St, Thomasville, GA 31792.