Joseph "Joe" Caswell Haddock

Joseph Caswell Haddock, known to friends and family as Joe, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, in Columbia, Alabama, at the age of 97. Born on February 2, 1928, in Milledgeville, Georgia, Joe lived a long and meaningful life defined by devotion to his family and a genuine love for adventure and hard work.

Joe was the son of Charlie H. Haddock and Leila Stevens Haddock Newton. His father passed away when Joe was just three years old, a loss that shaped his early years. He was later raised with the guidance and influence of his stepfather, Lonnie B. Newton, who played an important role in his upbringing.

Family was always at the center of Joe’s life. He shared an extraordinary 71 years of marriage with the love of his life, Shirley Chastain Waldrop Haddock. Together, they built a strong and loving home and raised their son, Joseph C. “Joey” Haddock Jr., who is married to Cindy. Joe took great pride in his family, especially his grandchildren, Marc Woodham, Joseph C. “Cas” Haddock III (Melissa) Annslee Haddock Pelham (Tyler), and Trent and Todd Bachelor, and his cherished great-grandchildren, Thomas Woodham, Cole, Grant, Averee Haddock, Tanner, and Marlee Pelham. He was a steady presence and a source of love and guidance, and his absence leaves a deep void in the lives of those who loved him.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Thomas I. Haddock, C.L. Haddock, Emery “Red” Haddock, and Frances H. Brake. Though he experienced loss in his lifetime, Joe faced it with quiet strength, leaving behind a family bound together by shared memories and gratitude for the life he lived.

A man known for his strong work ethic, Joe proudly enlisted in the United States Army on December 30, 1948, serving his country with honor and pride. Following his military service, he remained committed to a life of purpose and fellowship, becoming a Master Mason at #3 Benevolent Lodge in Milledgeville, Georgia, on August 5, 1952, and later a Shriner with the Al Sihah Shrine on May 12, 1954. Joe spent much of his early professional life as a boilermaker welder with the Tennessee Valley Authority, North Anna and Surry in Virginia, and at Farley, later working at the Palo Verde Nuclear Plants as a crane operator. He retired at the age of 75, a testament to his dedication and determination. Along the way, he also owned and operated his own business for three years and worked as an operating engineer with Local 653 in Mobile, Alabama.

Outside of work, Joe enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He had a love for photography and an appreciation for capturing meaningful moments. His adventurous spirit carried him across the country, traveling coast to coast and border to border. He especially enjoyed time on the water and took great pride in teaching numerous children and young adults to water ski on the Chattahoochee River.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Joe’s caregivers, Kathy Carroll, Becky Smith, and Elaina Cote, whose compassion, care, and companionship brought comfort and dignity to his final years.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2pm at First Baptist Church in Columbia. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital in Joe’s honor. https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org