Joseph Henry Lucas

Joseph Henry Lucas, Jr. of James Island, husband of Hazel Renau Lucas, left this earth on October 2, 2012 when God and the angels took his hand and led him home.Joe was born September 21, 1922 in Charleston, the son of the late Joseph Henry Lucas, Sr. and Loretta Leonard Lucas. He was raised in Charleston and was a 1939 graduate of Bishop England High School. He was active in sports during his youth and excelled in boxing as a golden gloves champion and also became a state welterweight boxing champion while serving in the military in Texas. Upon graduation, Joe embarked on his career with the Charleston Naval Shipyard beginning in 1941. He wanted to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 and proudly served in the U.S. and the Pacific Theatre during World War II until his honorable discharge in 1946. Upon completing his military service, he returned to his career at the Charleston Naval Shipyard where he had the opportunity to work on assignments in the U.S. and in Europe. He retired in 1980 as a Planner and Estimator (Pipefitter) in the Planning and Estimating Division of the Planning Department. At the time of his retirement he had 39 years of faithful service to his country. In 1980 he was employed by M. Rosenblatt and Sons in the same profession until his final retirement in 1988. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who loved him dearly. He always loved Folly Beach, enjoyed golfing, fishing and teaching his grandchildren how to catch local blue crabs. He was a model husband, father and grandfather. He never met a stranger, loved life, and enjoyed his family tremendously. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.Joe was a life member of the Charleston Elks Lodge #242 and Nativity Catholic Church. Also a member of the American Legion Post #147 of James Island, James Island Senior Center, Veterans Association, and the Senior Elk Golfers Association at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course.Joe is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hazel Renau Lucas, one son and three daughters: Joseph (Joe/Joey) H. Lucas, III and wife Wendy Knight Lucas of Charleston, Linda L. Gaddy of Florida, Mary Ellen Lucas of James Island, Teresa Lucas Pitts and husband Reid Pitts of Summerville; three grandchildren: Cameron McLain, Jason Menard and Haley Pitts. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, and brother-in-laws. His brother-in-law, Frank Richard Renau, whom he has known for 75 years, was as close to him as a brother and he affectionately called Joe "Ace" because he considered him #1. Joe was also fond of his sister-in-law Doris (Dee) Renau. He was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers.Funeral services will be conducted on Friday October 5, 2012 by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Pkwy, Charleston, SC. Family and friends are invited to visit from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at the funeral home. The funeral service will begin at 5:30 PM in the funeral home chapel. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery will be private.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Elks Lodge #242 of Charleston, 1113 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407-3360 or The American Legion Post #147 of James Island, P.O. Box 12213, Charleston, SC 29412.