Joe Sansing Obituary

Joe Wade Sansing, 89, of Houlka, MS, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at his home in Houlka, MS, surrounded by his family. He was born October 20,1935, to Clealon C. Sansing and Elois Bryant Sansing. Joe joined the United States Marine Corps on January 28, 1954, where he served in the 2nd Marine Battalion until his honorable discharge as Corporal on January 28, 1957. Joe took his standing as a United States Marine with great pride and considered this one of his life's greatest achievements. Joe worked at a cotton gin prior to his enlistment in the Marine Corps and he often reminisced and boasted about his wages of $7 a day, which he always said was "good money" given the times. He later worked for Genesis Furniture in Pontotoc, MS, and at American Furniture in Houlka, MS, as a security guard. Joe spent his adulthood in the fields, hauling hay, tending cattle, riding horses, and mending fences. Closer to retirement, he would spend his evenings reading children's books and playing hide-and-seek with his great-granddaughter, despite his fatigue from a hard day's work. He spent his later years rebuilding antique vehicles and taking trips "to the water" in Tunica and Philadelphia. Joe took honor in being a great-grandfather and took it upon himself to instill a love for mechanic work and what it is to be a hard-working, respectable man into his great-grandson. He never shied away from the opportunity to help out his kids or turn anything into a teaching moment. Joe loved with his entire being and always voiced his unconditional admiration for his family. A United States Marine is known for his ability to adapt, improvise, and overcome obstacles. Joe was the embodiment of this standard. He lived a full life showing unconditional love, the utmost strength, and the ability to overcome adversity. He often reminisced about his time at Parris Island, South Carolina, and talked about how it shaped him into who he was, even 70 years later. He truly lived the Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fi, do or die, fight on, fight on." He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean Lane Sansing; his brothers: Luke, Bill, Bob, and Jim Sansing; and sisters: Ouida Maharrey, Madine McWhirter, and Celestine Weaver. He is survived by his daughter, Janice Patterson (Tony); granddaughter Jodi Foster (Todd); great-granddaughter, Anna Lane Foster; great-grandson, Bryant Wade Foster; wife, Carlene Richie Sansing; 2 stepchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Funeral Services will be 2PM Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc. Visitation will be Friday, January 17th 5-8PM at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home and Saturday, January 18th 12PM until service time. Burial will follow in Williams Cemetery. Pallbearers include Bryant Wade Foster, Todd Foster, Brodee Moore, Jeff Washington, Gary Washington, and Collin Stutsy. Honorary pallbearers include Sam McWhirter, Van McWhirter, Noel McWhirter, and David Sansing.