Joseph Buford Carl, 85, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at his home in Decatur.
Joe is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Patricia Hartness Carl; his daughter Virginia Carl Aldridge and husband Robert of Madison; and a daughter Christine Carl of Montgomery. He also leaves two grandchildren, Raymond Aldridge and Joseph Aldridge; and many close family and friends.
Joe was born in 1929 in Trinity, Alabama, the only son of Leonard and Christine Sheats Carl. He graduated from Riverside High School (now Decatur High School) in 1948 where he played football for the Red Raiders. Following high school he attended the University of Alabama, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Later that same year he joined the United States Air Force, where he served as an intelligence officer with the National Security Agency, First Lieutenant. After his military service, Joe continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, where he received his Masters of Science degree in Geology in 1956.
Joe enjoyed a thirty-three year career as a petroleum geologist, specifically in the field of oil exploration. During his career he worked the Michigan salt domes, Florida limestone deposits, off-shore locations in Louisiana, California and Alaska, finishing his career in the Permian Basin of West Texas.
From a young age, Joe enjoyed many interests, including kayaking, Alabama football, archeology, antiques, reading and gardening. He was a member of “Shorty’s Boys” and the Moulton Street Culture Club.
He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Decatur where he served as a volunteer, trustee, member of the Seekers Sunday School class and an honorary member of the Administrative Board.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 22 at 2 p.m. at the Decatur First United Methodist Church, followed by a Celebration of Life reception. Honorary pallbearers will be the Seekers Sunday School class.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund or the American Cancer Society.
