Joseph W. Blocker, 92, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at his home.

He was born in Ariton, Ala., and moved to Cleveland in 1933.

He graduated from Bradley High School in 1937 and attended Bob Jones College in Cleveland in 1938-1940.

He served four years in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, obtaining the rank of sergeant. He received training at Camp Ritchie, Md., a Counter Intelligence School, and served at several Air Force Bases within the U.S. He was assigned to the Intelligence and Security Division of the Air Transportation Command in Hawaii and Guam.

He was employed by TVA for 29 years serving as administrative officer in Power System Operations. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, where he served as deacon. He was a student of the Bible and a devoted Christian. He also was a faithful volunteer for Changed Lives for almost 20 years after his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William E. and Nancy N. Blocker; four brothers: Pearl Blocker, Nathan Roy Blocker, Lemuel Lee Blocker, twin, Jim Blocker; two sisters: Jewell Blocker and Ruby Blocker Collins.

He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Charlotte Gonia Blocker; nephew, Billy Ray Blocker of Acworth; niece, Cathryne Blocker of Cleveland; brother-in-law, Winston Gonia, Cleveland; several great nieces and nephews and his longtime, special friend and TVA boss, Sam Elkins.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at Heritage Funeral Home with Dr. Paul Ritch and the Rev. Chris Ehlers officiating; a niece, Cathryne N. Blocker, will share memories and reflections.

Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.

Pallbearers will be Ken Akins, David Cooper, Ralph West, Wayne Lowery, Wayne Blocker and Greg Plemons. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Elkins, George Glass, Stan Neusbaum, T.L. Parton, Ken Simmons, and Don Womack.

Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blocker Memorial Fund; In care of The Community Foundation of Cleveland, PO Box 4474, 2810 Westside Drive N.W. Suite, Cleveland TN 37320-4474 or Hospice of Chattanooga, Attn: Special Fund for Needy, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday prior to the service at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga.