1934-2023
Denison Jesse Joe Rhudy, 88, has completed his earthly work and been received into his eternal home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Joe was born to Jalia Ann and C.W. Rhudy on July 9, 1934, in Orangeville, Texas. He grew up on a farm in Orangeville during the Great Depression as the third born of five children. His dad taught him to drive the red Farmall tractor as soon as he could reach the pedals to help with the family farm.
After graduating from Trenton High School in 1952, Joe married Shirley Ann Bush, and they moved to Sherman, Texas, and raised three children together. Joe worked with excellence and faithful dedication for the City of Sherman for almost 41 years. In 1994, he retired from the City as Director of Public Works to build his dream home in Mena, Arkansas. Finding that he missed his family too much, he returned to north Texas in 2000, settling in Denison Texas. In his final two years, he resided at Celebration Senior Living in Denison, where he died peacefully on March 19, 2023.
No matter where he lived, Joe purposed to have his family in church, and he delighted to see all three of his children receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Since the time of his move to Denison, Joe was an active member of Parkside Baptist Church where he enjoyed the companionship of many dear friends. His favorite place to meet up with friends outside of church was the lush lawn of a golf course. Additionally, Joe loved to travel, taking in the scenic road by motorcycle and also by tour bus. He enjoyed woodworking, making cabinets, shelves, and homemade toys through the years. He was a great fan of the Cowboys under the leadership of Coach Tom Landry. Joe enjoyed cooking and was known for having a sweet tooth. He made the very best pecan pie every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and he absolutely loved for his family to gather around the table with him. Always an encourager, Joe will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents Jalia Ann Burden Rhudy and Clarence William Rhudy, brother William Rhudy, brother Clarence Rhudy, and sister Patsy Cox Shew.
Joe is survived by his sister Mollie Watson; son Gary Rhudy, and his wife, Dawn; son David Rhudy, and his wife Lori; daughter Lisa Reese; grandsons Jeremy Rhudy, Jason Rhudy and David Matthew Rhudy; great-grandchildren Angel Rhudy and Gabbie Rhudy; and nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held on Friday, March 24, at Waldo Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be held at Waldo Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, March 24 at 12:30 p.m.
Burial was at Indian Creek Cemetery. The online register book may be signed at www.waldofuneralhome.com.
