Joseph Eastis

Joseph Felix “Papa Joe” Eastis, 86, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, Joe’s warmth, humor, and generous spirit left an enduring mark on everyone fortunate enough to have known him. Born on July 4, 1939, in Birmingham, Alabama, Joe was the son of W.F. and Vida Cantrell Eastis and grew up alongside his siblings Jack, Tom, Denise, and David.

On September 18, 1959, Joe married the love of his life, Martha Wadsworth, beginning a partnership for 66 loving years. Together they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and support, raising their two children, Bill Eastis and Debra Eastis King, who were the pride and joy of his life. He adored his three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Joe was immensely proud of his family and found great happiness in their achievements and adventures together. After completing his undergraduate degree at Florida State University, Joe pursued his master’s degree from Gonzaga University. His love of country led him to a 20-year career in the United States Air Force. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he played an integral role in work on the NASA Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster Program in Florida and the Titan program in California. a career that he enjoyed immensely. Those who served with him often spoke of his integrity, steadfastness, and good humor—qualities that defined his life on and off duty. Even in retirement, Joe could never sit still for long. He enjoyed traveling with Martha, exploring new places and making friends everywhere they went. Closer to home, he spent many happy hours on the golf course, especially with his fellow Southeastern Seniors and the “Misfits” at Greystone, where he was known as much for his humor as for his swing. Another of his hobbies was clocks—collecting, repairing, and sharing them with family and friends. The intricate motion of gears and the rhythmic tick of timepieces delighted him, especially his cuckoo clocks. Weekends often found Joe at Bluff Creek on the Warrior River or Smith Lake, enjoying the outdoors, swapping stories, and savoring the company of those he loved most. Joe is survived by his wife, Martha Wadsworth Eastis; son, William Joseph Eastis (Maryse), daughter, Debbie Eastis King (Mark); sister, Denise Eastis Hilleke (Bill); and brother, David William Eastis (MaryKay); grandchildren Jordan Eastis McEachern (Michael), William Hayden Eastis (McKenna), Emily Ruth King and great grandchildren Ryleigh Ann McEachern and Campbell Jane McEachern. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.F. and Vida Cantrell Eastis, and brothers, Jackson Hayes Eastis and Thomas Hunter Eastis. A service to celebrate Joe Eastis’s life will be held on November 18, 2025, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Alabama. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a life defined by humor, service, and love at ……………………………

In leu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.