Joseph Murray Ware’52

Joseph Murray Ware’52 passed away at home on February 1. Born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, on April 4, 1931, Joe graduated from Deshler High School in Tuscumbia and then received a degree in economics from Dartmouth, where he was president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was also a member of Green Key Society, circulation manager for The Dartmouth and a member of the Dartmouth Christian Union. He completed postgraduate work at the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. Joe served for two years as an officer and fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, before returning to Tuscumbia to take over the family business as president of Ware Cotton Storage & Manufacturing Co. Inc. and affiliated companies. Joe also was a banker, serving as a director and then president of the First Colbert National Bank and, after a merger, Bank Independent from 1973 until he retired in 1996. Throughout his life, Joe had numerous civic affiliations as well as being an active member of his church. His commitment to the community was wide and deep, reflecting his lifelong residence in northwest Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Lucy, daughter Virginia and son Joseph Jr. Joe is survived by daughters Sarah and Susan and her husband, Lee, and four grandchildren.