Joseph (Joe) Franklin Botdorf, Jr. of Gainesville, Georgia, formerly of Decatur, Georgia, age 81, passed away on Thursday evening, March 12, 2009, surrounded by his wife and children. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Betty Boone Botdorf; his sister, Dorothy B. White, his sister-in-law, Julia Eileen Boone. He is also survived by four children, Patricia Botdorf Martin and husband Thomas L. Martin (Atlanta, Georgia), Judy Botdorf Current (Louisville, Kentucky), Nancy Botdorf Jones and husband Chris L. Jones (Blairsville, Georgia), and Joseph Franklin Botdorf, III and wife Marianne W. Botdorf (Greensboro, Georgia); and five grandchildren, Julia Courtney Martin, Ashley Elizabeth Current, Tyler Darrell Current, Kate Meriwether Jones, and Christopher Lee Jones, Jr. Born July 21, 1927, Joe was the son of Ida Marsh Lank and Joseph Franklin Botdorf, Sr. Joe graduated from Decatur Boys’ High in 1944, and from Georgia State University (f/k/a Atlanta Division, University of Georgia) in 1949. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1945, where he served as a medic, receiving a Meritorious Service Insignia and an American Theater Ribbon, before an honorable discharge in December 1946. Joe began a long and distinguished career in banking with the Citizens & Southern National Bank in September, 1948, and retired after 38 years working in various locations, commercial real estate, branch banking, credit administration, and the bank’s Real Estate Investment Trust. As an executive for C&S National Bank, he had the privilege of contributing to the growth and development of the bank in Atlanta and the State of Georgia through his professional accomplishments in commercial real estate and credit administration. Joe was also an active member of Decatur First United Methodist Church, where he served as a steward, participated as a member of a couples’ Sunday school class, and attended services regularly until his move to Gainesville, Georgia in 2007. Joe was a member of Druid Hills Country Club, where he played golf and tennis, shared many friendships, and enjoyed special events with family and friends. Joe was active in every endeavor he undertook, and often assumed leadership responsibilities, such as the Treasurer of Druid Hills Country Club for three consecutive terms, Charter Member of the Georgia State University Alumni Association, membership in the DeKalb County Planning Commission, and Treasurer of the Peachtree Optimist Club. Joe battled successfully for almost a decade to keep Parkinson’s from controlling his life, and was able to maintain his interest in photography, bridge, working on his computer, and following investments. He and Betty relocated to Lanier Village Estates in February, 2007 to start another chapter in their lives. In the course of that move, they met many new friends with whom they have shared a community of caring, a beautiful home, and strong new relationships. A loving husband, supportive father, dedicated grandfather, and friend of many, Joe will be greatly missed. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. at Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville, Georgia. In addition, the family will receive friends and family Monday, March 16, 2009 from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P. M. at A. S. Turner and Sons in Decatur, Georgia, with a funeral service at 1:00 P.M. Graveside services will follow immediately at Decatur Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association. A. S. Turner & Sons
