Harold (Joe) Jacob Daughtry, aged 72, passed away peacefully at home on November 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and three children. Born on October 19, 1952, Joe grew up moving frequently in his early years as his father, Harold Jacob Daughtry, served in the Army. When Joe was 8, the family settled in Auburndale, Florida, where he began to lay down roots and make lifelong friends. Some of his fondest childhood memories were of summers spent in Georgia with his beloved grandparents, Maxine and Nathan Brown. Together with his sister, Sara, and his brother, Bill, Joe shared countless cherished memories—from watching Gunsmoke and The Andy Griffith Show on Friday nights and The Lawrence Welk Show on Saturdays, to gathering as a family on Sundays to savor their mother, Hulda's, roast beef dinners and banana pudding.

In high school, Joe was known for his dedication and discipline, whether delivering newspapers on his bicycle, managing the football team, or running on the track and cross-country teams. After graduation, he attended Lake City Community College, where he pursued a degree in Forestry. It was during this time that Joe met the love of his life, Emma Mast, at Ramona Park Church, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 47 years.

Joe dedicated 38 years of his professional life to Occidental/PCS, where he worked as a skilled maintenance worker, specializing in welding and pipe fitting. His family fondly remembers how he would come home each day with stories about his colleagues and the funny moments that lightened the workday. These tales, filled with humor and camaraderie, became cherished memories for his children and a reminder of his joyful spirit.

In his personal life, he found endless joy in the outdoors. Whether camping, fishing, or simply marveling at the beauty of nature, Joe's soul was always most at peace under the open sky. He was a man of deep faith and a lifelong member of the church, where his warmth, humor, and open heart were felt by all who knew him. Joe had the remarkable gift of never meeting a stranger; he saw friends in everyone he encountered.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Emma (Mast) Daughtry; his sister, Sara Vanhoogan (Bill); his son, Jacob Daughtry (Sherry); his daughters, Sara Miller (Garret) and Merilea Vinton (Billy); and five grandchildren, John McClain, Marissa McClain, Emily Vinton, Julia Daughtry, and Jack Daughtry. Joe's light and kindness will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A memorial service honoring his life will be held on Saturday, November 16, at 11:00 AM at Wellborn Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made to Wellborn Baptist Church in Joe's memory.