Joseph Fesperman, Jr

Joseph Daniel Fesperman Jr., passed away Saturday, June 22, 2013. He was born June 14, 1923 and was one of six children born to Joseph Daniel and Sarah Fesperman. He is preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Morton Fesperman. He is survived by two sons, David Fesperman and wife Patsy of Mobile, AL and Glenn Fesperman and wife April of Huntersville, NC; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Joe was born and lived his whole life in Stanly County, NC. After graduating from New London High School, he served in the Army Air Corps during WWII from May 27, 1943 until he was honorably discharged on March 14, 1946 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a trained airplane maintenance tech and crew chief for P-47 Thunderbolt fighter planes in the 463rd fighter squadron with service in Ie Shima and Okinawa. While in Ie Shima, he witnessed the transfer of Japanese emissaries from Japan to U.S. Army Air Force C-54's to complete their journey to Corregidor to meet with General MacArthur's staff to surrender. The American Theater Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal were awarded to him for his service. Prior to and after his military service he was employed by Wiscassette Mills, where he worked for approximately fifty years in the dye house operation in Albemarle. During his employment he advanced to the position of overseer. He was a member of Palestine United Methodist Church most of his life and always served the church in some capacity: Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, Administrative Board Chairman, board member, etc. He also served as a member of the Gideon's Organization and sang in the Palestine Quartet for many years. The family will receive friends at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle, on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm. The funeral service will follow at 2:00pm in Hartsell Funeral Home's Lefler Memorial Chapel and will be officiated by Rev. David Nolan. Burial will follow at the Palestine United Methodist Church Cemetery in Albemarle. Memorials may be made to Palestine United Methodist Church, 36414 Palestine Road, Albemarle, NC 28001. . Hartsell Funeral Home is serving the Fesperman family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com