Joseph J. Scarborough

Joseph J. Scarborough III, 85, of Fortson, GA died Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Columbus Hospice House.

A memorial service will be held 2:30 pm Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery with Military Honors. In keeping with the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, facemasks and social distancing will be required during the services.

Joe was born September 12, 1935 in Newnan, GA, son of the late Joseph J. Scarborough II and Sybil Ozmore Scarborough. He graduated from Jordan High School and was later inducted into the Jordan High School Hall of Fame. After graduation, he joined the United States Army where he reached the rank of Sergeant with the 325 Airborne Infantry as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. After spending three years in the Army, Joe was accepted to the University of Georgia where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry. He played football and was a four year letterman in track and field during his time at UGA. He held the state record for the discus throw from 1954 – 1959. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Joe spent the next 50 years in the forestry industry as a consulting forester and became a timber land real estate broker. He was a member St. Mark United Methodist Church and the Society of American Foresters. Joe loved to tell jokes and making people laugh. He enjoyed playing the banjo, being outdoors, loved fishing, being with family and friends, and especially loved his animals. He was much loved by his family and friends.

Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Nell Scarborough; son, Roy L. Beatty; great-grandaughter, Hattie Nell Campbell; and sister, Barbara Ann Logan.

Survivors include his sister Rose S. Smith (Les); daughter, Rhonda D. Noel; son, Joseph J. Scarborough IV (Chris); grandchildren, Steven L. Locklar (Leah), Elise Toms, Mallory Campbell (Clint), Adam Beatty; and numerous other family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org, or PAWS Humane Society at www.pawshumane.org.          To sign the online guest registry, please visit www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.