Joe D Rozelle

Joe D. Rozelle of Jacksonville passed away surrounded by his family October 18, 2023 in Jacksonville. Joe was born January 6, 1948 in Reklaw to Ralph and Sibyl Rozelle. He graduated from Rusk High School, Class of 1966, Tyler Junior College, Stephen F. Austin with his Bachelors in Business Administration, and Southern Illinois University with his Masters of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Administration. Joe married Christine Sue Conant December 22, 1973 in Flossmoor, IL.

Joe worked at Rusk State Hospital from June of 1972 until August 2003 serving as the Director of Community Relations and Public Information. After retiring from the state, he continued his career with Timber Products Inspection INC as a field inspector. Joe was always busy serving others; serving the Rusk Chamber of Commerce as a board member in 1975, 1978-1980, and 1984-1986, as Vice President in 1978 and as President in 1981; the Cherokee Country Club as a Board Member from 1999-2001; the Rusk Main Street Advisory Board Member from 2002-2003; the United Fund of Jacksonville/Cherokee County, Inc. 2002-2004; He was a past member and officer of the Association for Volunteer Administration, or the AVA, the largest non-profit professional association promoting excellence in the effective management of volunteer resources as the Certified Administrator of Volunteer Services from 1973-1986, serving as the Treasurer/Board Member from 1976-1977, and as Vice President from 1979-1981.

Joe loved to spend time and work around his farm. Joe had a passion to run. He ran marathons, completing 13 full marathons, several half marathons and numerous other shorter runs.

Joe is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Chris Rozelle of Jacksonville; son: Brian C. Rozelle and wife Brandi of Bullard; grandchildren: Emma Rozelle, Bailey Rozelle, Ahlexcis Lackey, Nathaniel Lackey. Son: Jeff D. Rozelle and wife Holly of Bullard; grandchildren Kennison Rozelle, and Kerrigan Rozelle; sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Shelia Baldwin, PhD and husband John of Bristow, VA; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends and his trusty dog, Samson. Joe is preceded in death by his grandparents: Calzada and MW Rozelle, Henry and Lucille McCrary; parents: Sybil and Ralph Rozelle; aunts and uncles: Leland and Agnes Rozelle M.W. Rozelle and Allene Murchison.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home, 221 West 5th Street, Rusk, TX with a reception/visitation to be held immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers, Joe’s wishes are for memorials to be made to the Rusk High School Alumni Association (Class of 1966) at R.H.S.A.A., P.O. Box 711, Rusk, TX 75785 or the Rusk State Hospital Volunteer Council. Joe’s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Ryan Ford, Dr. Will