Joseph Steven Causey, beloved father, son, brother, step-husband and dear friend, passed away on June 27, 2013, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Born in Athens, Georgia, on September 7, 1950, Joe grew up to become a gifted musician, a successful businessman and community volunteer.
Joe's greatest achievement, however, was the profound and loving bond that he created and maintained with his family and dearest friends. Except for the four years spent serving in the US Navy, Joe called Athens home.
Joe began studying piano at age nine which led to a life-long avocation in music. Being inspired by Jayne Montgomery, Ina Gerschefski, Carlos Kusssrow-Corma, Joe's giftedness as a pianist became legendary and coveted.
At age 35, Joe pursued his love of music even further by beginning the study of violin with Kimball Harriman. In 1969, Joe interrupted his studies at the University of Georgia to enlist in the Navy.
The training Joe received at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, led to his assignment with naval intelligence as a translator in North Africa. Returning to Athens in 1974, Joe continued his studies in piano performance with Despy Karlas. In addition, Joe joined his family's business, Farm Electric, Inc. and worked in the production department of the Athens Observer.
Joe became President and CFO of Farm Electric, applying his stellar business acumen to the family business for 35 years. Joe retired in 2010 from his duties as CFO of Farm Electric in order to devote more time to his sons, to play violin in The Athens Symphony, to record for Reading Ally, to accompany the First Presbyterian Church choir, and to perform with various groups.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, William Claude Causey; his brother, Billy Causey; and his precious, scooter-riding dog, Murphy.
Joe is survived by his sons, Cole and Taylor Causey; his mother, M'Nelle Gibson Causey; his brother Davis Causey; and by his step-wife, Marianne May Causey.
Joe also leaves behind dear and lifelong friends whom he considered part of his family. Joe will be missed beyond measure.
A service in celebration of the life of Joe Causey will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 6, 2013, at The First Presbyterian Church in Athens, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, Joe would prefer that you pay it forward wherever your heart leads you.
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