Mr. Joseph Donald Lucas, affectionately known as Jody Lucas, age 73 of Brilliant, in the Pea Ridge community, passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2018. He was born on January 8, 1945, in Lamar County to Arthur Lee and Shalar Lucas.
At a very young age, he started working on his family farm along with his brothers and sisters. As an adult, he worked in the garment industry, logging business, and strip mines until going to work in the coal mines. Often, there were times that he did not see the daylight for several days due to the number of hours he worked. Mr. Lucas remained working in the mines until he retired. However, retirement did not slow him down. He went to work for Marion County Rock and then acquired a job with Marion County working for County Commissioner, Bob Burleson, in district five until approximately three months ago.
Joe is remembered as being a hard worker and a good provider for his family. He was a loyal friend and always willing to lend a hand. He was kind hearted and generous, especially to his family. He loved to bale hay, watch his cows and birds, and ride his grandchildren on the golf cart. He was not above hiding treats in his overall pocket to give to his grandchildren when their parents were not looking.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, W. T. Lucas, Garland Ray Lucas, Jerry Lucas, Larry (Pee-Wee) Lucas, Gary Lucas, and one infant brother, sisters, Lovie Lucas, Bulah Mullins, Kathy Lucas, and in-laws, Clyde and Eunice Jones. He is survived by his wife, Nelda Jones Lucas, sons, Rodney (Dadra) Lucas, Lance (Melissa) Sexton, daughters Paula (Kent) Ledbetter, Tammy (Ray) Barnett, grandchildren, Morgan (Chad) Hudson, McCall Barnett, Kristen (Tyler) Moore, Daniel Lucas, Kadra Lucas, KaLeah Ledbetter, Brandy (Coty) Nix, great grandchildren Lucas Hudson, Jax Hudson, Parker Moore, Spencer Moore, Marlee Moore, and Riley Nix, brothers, Rayburn (Sue) Lucas, Carl (Glenda) Lucas, and Buddy (Martha) Lucas, and a sister, Ruby Palmer.
Joe loved God, his wife, his family, friends, and church family. He loved sitting on the porch in his rocking chair visiting with family and friends. He also enjoyed working in his garden. His children and grandchildren consider him their hero. They always thought he could do anything and, if it was within his power, he would make certain it got done. He was devoted to his wife and never failed to tell and show her each day. His love for God and his family was evident to all who knew him. Joe’s family is rejoicing his home coming, yet mourning their loss of this precious, humble man.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018 at 12:00 noon from the Bowen Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Mount Olive Cemetery. Brother David Sullivan will be the officiating minister. The visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon (service time) on Friday at the funeral home. Bowen Funeral Home serving the Lucas family.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Philadelphia Church.
Philadelphia Church
9588 State Highway 253
Brilliant, AL 35548