Joe C. Hogans

Joe Cleveland Hogans, the third of seven children and oldest son was born on June 28, 1943, in Abbeville, Alabama to Reverend Mack Cleveland Hogans and Gertrude Kirkland Hogans.

At an early age, Joe joined Rocky Mount Baptist Church (the Hogans Family Church), Abbeville. Later, he joined Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Abbeville, where his father was Pastor. There he remained a faithful member, becoming church Deacon, and Treasurer.

Joe attended Abbeville Junior High School and graduated from Henry County Training School class of 1960. He furthered his education at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), earning Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Agronomy, graduating in the classes of 1964 and 1966. While at Tuskegee Joe was on the ROTC rifle team and won several competition awards as an expert sharpshooter. After successfully graduating from Tuskegee, Joe taught in the public high schools of Russell County, Alabama (Pittsview), for two years until he was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1967.

While stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, (now Fort Moore) Joe lost the use of his legs because of a spinal cord injury and underwent extensive training to become self-sufficient and live a normal life without the use of his legs. He was honorably discharged and returned to Abbeville where he was active in service to his community. He started and managed a federal credit union that served the Henry County Community. He served as a substitute teacher in the public schools of Abbeville for years.

Joe continued his education by earning a Master of Business Administration from Troy University in Dothan. In 1977-1978, Joe was honored in the National “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities” for his outstanding academic achievements at Troy.

After completing his program at Troy University, Joe was employed with the Department of Health Education and Welfare at the Southeastern Program Center in Birmingham, Alabama as a Social Security Benefits Authorizer. From there he worked in the Veterans Administration (VA) as Veterans Counselor in Montgomery, Alabama for twenty-two years from July 1981 until his retirement in July 2003. The VA recognized Joe several times for outstanding service and effectiveness. The State of Alabama Public Service Commissioner appointed Joe Honorary Treasurer in 1988 while also serving on the Alabama Attorney Generals’ Legal Justice Task Force.

After retiring from federal service in Montgomery, Joe returned to Abbeville and dedicated his time, talent, and treasures to community service. He was a distinguished member of the Abbeville chapter of Kiwanis Club; appointed and served sixteen years (2007-2023) on the Henery County Water Authority Board; and was instrumental in helping many young people achieve entry to college and employment. His genuine humility would not allow him to take credit for his many community deeds.

Joe was a member of: Magnolia Lodge 218 of Abbeville; Treasurer for The Southeast Alabama Baptist Association; Corresponding/Financial Secretary of the Laymen Auxiliary Southeast District State Convention for 8 years; Disabled American Veterans; Abbeville Chamber of Commerce; and the Henry County Historical Society. He was a board member of The Henry County Water Authority. Joe also had the pleasure of being honored as the Grand Marshall in the annual Abbeville Parade.

Joe was an accomplished wheelchair athlete that competed in Olympic level events across the south and the country. He won awards, medals and was recognized for his performance in track and field and other events including wheelchair racing, weightlifting, shotput, discus throw, javelin throw, archery, target shooting and basketball! His hobbies were target-shooting, gardening, maintaining his massive yard/lawn and fishing. Joe was enormously proud of winning 5th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st place plaques for physically challenged anglers in the classic Sanford, Florida bass fishing tournament.

Three siblings preceded Joe in death, Walter Jim Hogans (1969), Teresa Hogans Farmer (2022) and Sarah Hogans Reynolds (2024).

He leaves his loved ones to cherish  a great legacy; his siblings,  Anna H. Wright, Atlanta, GA., Mack L. Hogans (Anastasia), Kirkland, WA., and Andrew V. Hogans, Atlanta, GA., Sister-in law, Barbara Wesley Hogans; Nieces and nephews; Joyce Reynolds Carroll, Pamela Reynolds Mills, Monica Farmer Cox, DeAnna Wright Edmonds, Nykia Wright, Jonathan Wright, Joseph Hogans, Makiah Hogans Richards and Jarrett Hogans; great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

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