Joseph Harold “Joe” Cramer

Joseph Harold “Joe” Cramer, 75, of Eastman, Georgia, passed away March 16, at the Regency Hospital in Macon, Georgia, after a brief illness. 

He was born on Sept. 20, 1941, in rural Franklin Township, Pulaski County, to the late Arthur and Lucille (Riggleman) Cramer. Joe was raised in the Winamac area and attended Winamac High School. In 1962, he answered the call to serve his country. Joe retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1982 as a master sergeant with 20 years of service. He served two tours in Vietnam as well as a tour in the Philippines. His military career took him many places and also afforded him the opportunity to receive his GED. In 2016, Joe was proud to receive a Quilt of Valor honoring his service. 

Upon retirement from the Air Force, Joe began working for the U-Haul Rental Co. first as a field manager, then as a general manager, and upon retirement he had attained the position of senior staff vice president of South Georgia U-Haul Co. 

Joe enjoyed hunting, gardening, canning, and collecting just about anything. He especially enjoyed reminiscing and telling stories. His close friends and family all received unique nicknames over the years. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and smile. Joe loved his family very much and will be sadly missed. 

Survivors include his wife Hazel Cramer; brothers: Robert “Bob” [Sharon] Cramer and Gerald “Jerry” Cramer; three daughters; three sons; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one grandson. 

Funeral services and burial with full military honors took place at Georgia Veterans Cemetery in Milledgeville, Georgia, on Monday, March 20.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pulaski County Quilts of Valor.

(Pulaski County Journal — April 5, 2017)