Joe Ben Levens

Joe Ben Levens was born April 22, 1922 in Albertville, AL to George Washington Levens and Julia Ogle Levens. He worked with his parents and two brothers as tenant farmers, and stated that his sister "helped Momma in the house." He attended Albertville High School, and when he was 20 years old, enlisted in the Army. Before leaving for military service, he married his sweetheart, WiliaDean Baird, on November 17th, 1942. Serving in Patton's Third Army during World War II, he was a truck and jeep driver, and served as an infantryman. At the Battle of the Bulge, on New Year's morning, 1945, he was wounded, and following multiple surgeries over the next 20 months, eventually had his right leg amputated. After discharge from the Army in 1947, he worked for Gulf Oil in Birmingham. In 1950 Joe Ben and Dean were moved to Memphis, TN by Gulf Oil. There he developed his own business, installing and repairing service station equipment for multiple oil companies. He loved hunting, fishing, keeping bees (for honey), raising mealworms (for fishing) and was active in church. At retirement, Joe and Dean returned 'home' to Albertville, joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church, and enjoyed their friends and family immensely. He served as a Deacon, was on the Benevolence Committee to assist those in need, and enjoyed being involved in the Baptist Men's activities (especially fish frys). Mr. Levens is survived by his daughter, Julia Ann, with whom he has recently lived in Scott, AR, and her husband, Gerry Claybrook, whom he loved as a son; three grandsons: Kyle (and Pepper) Claybrook, of Nashville, TN; Stephen (and Camille) Claybrook, of Apex, NC; and Ben (and Tiffany) Claybrook, of Gallatin, TN.; and Asa, Darby, Vivianne, Amelia, Henry, Delia, Beckett, Jack and Everett-his nine great- grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Gene Levens of Athens, AL, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brothers, J.W. Levens, and Garland (and Ellen) Levens, and his sister, Polly (and Sam) Long, as well as his wife. Mr. Levens died peacefully at home on the morning of April 21, 2012, one day prior to his 90th birthday.

Joe Ben Levens

April 22, 1922 - April 21, 2012