Joseph W. Mallisham was born June 14, 1928 to the late Rev. Lewis Simeon and Leola Smith Mallisham. He was a middle child among five brothers and three sisters. He received his education in the Tuscaloosa County area. Joe's first employment was with the R.L. Ziegler plant. He enlisted in the army and spent time in Japan and Korea where he received three bronze stars. The labor movement was his first social activism where he studied under A. Phillip Randolph of the Sleeping Car Porter's Union. He served his community in various capacities. He and Sadie Townsend of HullS Alabama were married June 28, 1953. They are the proud parents of three daughters. Many people talk about Joe Mallisham the politician, Joe Mallisham the civil rights activist, and Joe Mallisham the local legend, but Joe Mallisham was also considered a pillar to his family. Known as "Pops", Joe Mallisham was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather - but he was also our best friend. Successful leaders are those who have lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who have gained the respect of their community and love of his children; who have filled their niches and accomplished their tasks; who leave the world better than they found it - whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in othera and gave the best they had. --Adapted from ACHIEVEMENT by Robert Louis Stevenson