Mr. Joe Earl King, age 73, passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2010 after a brief illness. Joe was born in Pell City, Alabama but later moved with his family to Tifton, Georgia, where he was raised. Joe spent his adult life serving his country and the state of Georgia. He retired from the Georgia Army National Guard with 37 years of service at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer III. Joe retired with his wife to Blue Ridge, Georgia where he perfected his hobby of wood working and fell in love with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad.Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Bue William and Tessie Mae King and a sister Betty York. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Judy H. King of Epworth; two daughters, Jackie McCurry of Sharpsburg, GA and Amanda K. Marshall of Milledgeville, GA; two sons, Brad King of Milledgeville, GA and Alex Ojeda of Douglasville, GA; two granddaughters, Tess Marshall of Milledgeville, GA and Alexandra McCurry of Sharpsburg; brother and his wife, Billy King and his wife Doris of Tifton; two nephews, Steve York of Twin Falls, Idaho and Kasey King of Moultrie; two nieces, Renee Mccollough of Elberton and Kelli Patrick of Enigma. Funeral services were conducted Friday, May 7, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. John Henry Payne officiating. Military Honors were provided by the Georgia Army National Guard. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of arrangements. .