Osborne, Joseph Hersie
91 of Pompano Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on August 10, 2017 after a lengthy illness. Joe was born November 2, 1925 in Ameagle, West Virginia. The son of the late Jodie and Georgia Osborne, and the stepson of the late Ben Copenhaver, Joe attended Clearfork High School and was a graduate of Concord University in Princeton, West Virginia and received his Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. A World War II veteran, Joe served in the US Navy as a communications specialist, seeing active duty in the south Pacific. After a successful career as an executive with Combustion Engineering in Connecticut, Joe retired to pursue his love for golf in sunny south Florida. He was President of the men's club at his home course, Pompano Beach Country Club, where he was instrumental in organizing and implementing several changes in the club and took the lead role in a major renovation of one of the club's courses.
Joe is survived by his son Joseph Osborne, daughter-in-law Shelley Osborne; daughter Susan Osborne Reed, son-in-law Tim Reed; grandson RJ Osborne, wife Katie; granddaughter Nicole Osborne; great grandsons Oakley, Cannon, Aden and Nathan; sister Nina Thomas; brothers Carl Copenhaver; Ray Copenhaver; and James Copenhaver, sister-in-law Carolyn; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was proceeded in death by brothers Alva (Sonny) Osborne, Willard Osborne and sisters Orpha Dickerson, Delma Btkos and Isabelle Lasley Woolsey.
Joe was known and loved for his quick wit, sense of humor and intellect. He took great joy in seeing others smile and laugh. He will be missed so much by all who knew him and were blessed to have had him in their lives. All who knew him would say "he was a good man, a good father, grandfather and great grandfather; truly a gentleman and a scholar in every sense of the words".
Services include a viewing on Friday, August 25th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home 1901 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, West Virginia.
Graveside service and interment in the Bailey/Estep Cemetery in Ameagle, West Virginia on Saturday, August 26th at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Research Fund or the First Tee Program would be appreciated.
Tributes
Susan Osborne wrote on Sep 12, 2017:
"Dad, you are never far from my thoughts, every day. I miss you so much and get so sad, but I know you are home, with your parents and siblings, and all those family members you told so many stories about for so many years. I hope I can remember even some of your stories. I tried very hard to memorize them all. Driving down to Ameagle, I tried to memorize all the places you pointed out from the old days. I'll be back to see you in the Spring for Memorial Day and spend some time with you. Don't worry about me, I'm fine, really. I see you smiling and that's a good thing. Love, Susan"
Phillip Lasley wrote on Aug 13, 2017:
"I will really miss my uncle and playing partner. We played a lot of golf together and enjoyed our rounds usually followed by a stinger or two before dinner. One of my favorite memories was Joe and I playing Riverhills Country Club a couple of days before Christmas. It was cold, rainy, windy and generally speaking, miserable. We kept asking each other "do you want to quit". Neither of us would give in and we continued to play all 18 holes. I have to say it was one of the worst days I've had playing golf. Freezing, wet and very uncomfortable, we trudged on. What a couple of idiots but we loved every minute of it. Whether it was in Florida, West Virginia or Connecticut we never had a bad day on the course.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to take Joe to the Masters in 2004. We attended all four days and walked the course every day, all 18 holes. Seventy-nine at the time, I figured after the first day Joe would want to sit a little and just watch. No sir, he wanted to walk and see as many players as he could. At 79 he walked my butt off. We followed each day with dinner at some of the local Agusta restaurants. Having drinks in the bar and exchanging memories of the day with other golf fans from all over the U.S. An awesome experience. I will cherish these memories along with those of my wife and I having lunch or dinner at some of his favorite haunts in south Florida. A typical dinner with him was us arriving at JMarks or Houston's and going to the bar prior to dinner. Before we could sit down, the bartender would set Joe's glass of wine in front of him. They must have seen him come in the door and just poured it and waited for him to sit down. A remarkable man who has touched us all, he will forever be in my memory. "
Michelle Toney wrote on Aug 12, 2017:
"May God bless Joe and hold him in His loving arms! My thoughts are with his son & daughter Joe & Susan during this sad and emotional time. His children's love and dedication to him over the past year while he fought the hard fight is truly inspirational. "
Susan Osborne wrote on Aug 11, 2017:
"Love you so much Dad. Rest easy, the struggle is over. Love to all the family on the other side. Play lots of golf and enjoy that stinger! Love, Susan and Tim"