RICHMOND – Joseph Walter Person, “Hke Joe”, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

He was born and raised in Boykins, Virginia (Southampton County) on April 28, 1938 to Eloise Sykes Brooks and Patrick Person. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his sister, Patsy Draper and her husband, Sonny; nieces, Lou Haygood and Sandy Black; nephew, Steve Draper; wife, Ray Ellen Person; sons, Kenny Brown and his wife Susan, Michael K. Brown, Brian A. Brown, Miles Brown and Stachy Downing; a daughter, Kimberly Brown; eleven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Joe was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute on June 7, 1959. He was an avid alumni and supporter of Virginia Tech. Joe’s career as a CPCU insurance professional led him from Travelers in New York City to their offices in Norfolk, Virginia. There he met the one and only love of his life, Ray. Ray and her six children ranging in ages from 10 to 17 blessed his life with 35 years of what a family is and should be. From there, that led him to Richmond where Joe enjoyed long careers at Travels, Johnson & Higgins / Marsh, Southern States Insurance Agency, and Wachovia / Wells Fargo Insurance. His vibrant personality and vast knowledge lent itself to befriending and mentoring many people in his life, most recently volunteering as a mentor at United Methodist Family Services. Joe touched everyone’s heart and will be missed by all. Rest in peace Papa Joe! A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2013, at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road. The family will receive friends with a catered reception following the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to donate to the SPCA, FURS, Humane Society of Virginia or a charity of your choice. Online condolences to WoodyFuneralHomeHuguenot.com.