Josey Cromwell

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Josey Warren Cromwell, 84, a resident of Georgiana, Al. went to his Heavenly Home on Saturday, May 1, 2010. He was at home with his friends and family members. He had battled cancer for several months. He was born April 23, 1926 in Butler County to L.H. and Cleta Pittman Josey. He lived most of his life in Georgiana and raised his family there. He was married on July 3, 1953 to Faye Beck Josey and they had 2 children. At the age of 17 he went to work on the L&N Railroad and retired at the age of 60 , having worked 43 years. During that time, he served 2 years in the Army during WW II. Preceding him in death were his parents, a brother and sister in law, A.C. and Minnie Josey, a sister, Elizabeth, a sister and brother in law, Leila and Luther Harvill, a sister, Rose Mary and a sister and brother in law, Eleanor and Raymond Burt. He was also preceded in death by his parents in law, Willie and Ethel Murphy Beck, a brother in law and sister in law, Roy and Julia Beck, a brother in law and sister in law, John H. and DeLois Black, a brother in law, Lamar Cone, a brother in law and sister in law, Nathan and Ann Cameron, a brother in law and sister in law, Paul and Nelle Beck. He was also preceded by a niece, Sue PreJean of Houston, Tx. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Faye, a daughter and son in law, Pam and Alan Ward of Georgiana, a son and daughter in law, Cromwell, Jr. (Bubba) and Sharyn Josey of Andalusia. Sister, Lorene Kinsey of Florrisant, Mo. Grandchildren, Bryon (Tiffany) Ward and Isaac (Jessica) Ward of Georgiana, Blakely (Heather) Ward, Red Level, and Marie Josey, Andalusia; Great Grandchildren, Kayla, Erica, Braxton, Bryce, and Branum Ward all of Georgiana. Many Nieces, Nephews, and Nephews in Laws. He is also survived by sister in law, Drucilla Cone of Camilla, Ga. Cromwell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was not a person to show a lot of public affection but he enjoyed being loved by his family. He was a very avid supporter of Alabama Football and Braves Baseball. He also loved to hunt and fish, but it had been several years since he had done either. He was very interested in the Hank Williams Festival and advertised it from the end of one festival till the beginning of the next. He was also very interested in anything taking place at the Ga-Ana Theater and he and the owner, J.C. Sims, were the best of friends. He was also very interested in what was happening in his town of Georgiana and had even been accused of being “The Overseer”. He had thoroughly enjoyed his retirement from the railroad by staying involved and he was always anxious in hearing about anything concerning the railroad. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Randy Sexton officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with Masonic Rites. Honorary pallbearers will be current and former employees of the railroad. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

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