Joe Ogletree

McDuffie County

Mr. William Joseph Ogletree, known to friends and family as "Joe" aka The Rhymin' Clown, passed away peacefully at his home in Thomson, Georgia, on December 14, 2023.

He was born on March 5, 1956, in Richmond County.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Verne Eden Ogletree and Marjorie Holzendorf Ogletree; and his brother Julian Ogletree.  He was a devoted Christian man, survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Belva Montgomery Ogletree.  He was the proud father of his sons, Jonathan (Amanda), Joshua (Brooke) and Brett Buffington.  His pride and joy was his eight grandchildren; Anna, Harrison, Ally, Brandyn Lynne, Aiden, Blakely, Addi and Benjamin.  Joe is also survived by his sister, Margie Ann Wilson (Charles) and special friend, Kathy Buffington.

Joe was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, graduated from Thomson High School and served his Country in the U.S. Army.  During his high school years, he worked at the Box Factory, and after returning from the Army he went to work for Thiele Kaolin Reedy Creek where he remained until he retired.  Joe was a Lifetime blood donor, loved to play his harmonica to entertain folks and loved to write poems, rhymes and stories.  He was a member of Sweetwater Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon and Trustee.  He loved to sing and enjoyed leading the singing when needed.  Joe was a Gideon, and he loved to give Bibles to children and see their faces light up.  He was also quick witted, loved to laugh and talk with friends, especially at the Waffle House.

His Visitation will be held at Sweetwater Baptist Church, Thomson, Georgia on Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., and his Service will begin at 3:00 p.m. being officiated by Rev. Don Cummings.  Pallbearers are Danny Usry, Russell Montgomery, Ricky Luke, Tim Long, Randy Lord, Chris Adkins, Jason Burton and Phillip Burton.  Honorary Pallbearers are Archie Graham, Raymond Everage, Teddy Reese, David Bennett, Everett Hobbs, Wade Williford and Ronnie Williamson.  Please visit www.beggsfuneralhome.net to sign the family's personal guestbook.

If so desired, memorials may be made in his memory to Sweetwater Baptist Church, 1606 Wrens Highway, Thomson, Georgia 30824.

Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is honored to serve the family of Mr. William Joseph Ogletree.