Joseph Albert Painter, Clinton Tennessee
January 15, 1980-October 17, 2012
Joseph "JoJo" Painter went to work in his usual good mood, but suddenly collapsed and could not be revived. The Watts-Bar TVA nuclear plant took a stand-down for the remainder of the day. Friends, coworkers and family all agree that in recent months, Joseph was happier than he'd ever been. He recently married the love of his life, Megan Painter (nee Largin) on September 28, 2012. She had his heart. Joseph was incredibly active in the daily lives of his nieces and nephews, frequently attending the boys' football practices and never missing a game. He built Lego set after Lego set with the family, smiling the whole time. Joseph was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 5. He had followed his father and namesake, Joseph "Joe" Painter into the industry, often working alongside his siblings George Painter and Amanda Painter, also members of the Local 5. His future in the business was bright. Joseph was born in Redlands, CA. The family moved to the Clinton area in 1992. Joseph attended both Clinton Middle School and Clinton High School. He graduated from CHS in 1998. After a 4-year apprenticeship, Joseph became a Journeyman Sheet Metal Mechanic. Joseph was attentive, empathetic, quick-witted and funny. He had an easy-going attitude and a big heart. Joseph made friends everywhere he went, and (maybe more importantly) kept them for life. He will be sorely missed. Joseph was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church, where he spent many hours volunteering alongside his mother, Sandra "Sandy" Painter. Joseph had many hobbies and interests, including cars, football and collecting-everything from ballcaps to army men. Joseph always had a deep love of popular culture (movies and music) and had become politically active towards the end of his life.
Much of the family resides in the Clinton area. Joseph is survived by his wife, Megan Crystal Painter; his mother and father, Joseph Henry Painter and Sandra Kay Painter; grandmother Elizabeth Irene Schwenter, (Rancho Cucamonga, CA); brother George Franklin Painter; sisters Amanda Kay Painter and LaDonna Rae White; nephews Nolan Alexander Painter, Benjamin Dallas Finney, Robert Leland Finney, Brett James Skinner, Braden James Skinner and Brandon Jennings White; nieces Alexandria Elizabeth Painter and Kayla Jean White-Rector; great-nephew Grayson Scott Rector; great-nieces Jordan Marissa Rector and Abigail Mae White. Joseph had a large extended family and many, many friends.
Joseph is preceded in death by his grandfather, Joseph Neal Painter (Canal Winchester, OH) and sister Susan Beth Painter (Kokomo, IN); grandfather Albert Lindbeck (Covina, CA) and grandmother Deolores Lindbeck (Covina, CA); and grandfather Lt. Cmdr. George Schwenter (Rancho Cucamonga)
The receiving of friends will be held at Holly-Gamble funeral home on Monday, October 22nd from 6-8 pm. Final remembrance services will be held immediately afterwards. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Joseph to the Knoxville division of Toys for Tots: Toys for Tots/ 2101 Alcoa Hwy/Knoxville, Tennessee/37920 Please print "Joseph Painter" on the memo line of any check. Thank-you for your support and concern.