Josiah Abidan Flood was born on September 8th, 2006, in Huntsville, AL and spent most of his life in Decatur, where he worked and went to school. He anticipated graduating in May of 2025 after completing his senior year of high school. Josiah was known for his amazing work ethic. He was smart, hard-working, and made excellent marks in school. He attended Austin High School, where he learned the trade of welding and found his passion.
In addition to his educational and career aspirations, Josiah was an outstanding football player, a great athlete, and a competitive person. The camaraderie he shared through sports and his online community of friends was special to him. He enjoyed competitive video games and had a knack for solving puzzles. He enjoyed traveling with family and going on expeditions with his brothers. An animal lover at heart, Josiah shared a special bond with his beloved cat, ‘Fluffy.’
On the afternoon of Saturday, November 23, 2024, Josiah was taken from us suddenly. He was 18 years old. Good humored, strong, and gentle are all accurate descriptions of Josiah. He was a kind and caring person, one who sought to protect the people he loved. His strong physical presence was complemented by his sensitive and thoughtful personality. His elders often looked up to him (literally) and despite being the youngest child, he lifted others up. Josiah loved God and sought to do right by others.
Josiah is survived and dearly loved by his father and stepmother, Richard and Christine Flood; mother, Rachel Aponte; and older siblings, Noah Flood, Jonah Flood, and Anna Flood. Josiah was also dearly loved by extended family, especially his grandparents, Diane Slesinski Warren, Bill Warren, Laura Aponte, and Stephen Aponte Sr; as well as his aunts, uncles, and cousins; Lance & Deanna Flood, parents of Heather, Michelle, Brandon, and Stephen Flood; Rebecca & Robert Young Sr., parents of Leah, Hannah, and Robert Jr. Young; Stephen & Dasha Aponte, parents of Nyasia Williams, Naomi and Neriah Aponte; and Danny & Meredeth Aponte, parents of Daniel and William Aponte.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather John Slesinski and cousin Nathan Flood.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Decatur Animal Services in honor of Josiah and his love for animals.
Visitation will be hosted at the Beltline Church of Christ on Sunday, December 1st, starting at 1:00 PM, with the memorial service to begin at 2:30 PM. Josiah will be laid to rest at Midway Memorial Gardens immediately following the memorial service.
