Joe went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 13, 2015. He moved to Hardee County with his family in 1970 as Engineer for Peace River Electric Cooperative where he retired and continued as a Consulting Engineer until his death. Prior to coming to Florida, he received his formal Electrical Engineering education at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. He was employed by Coahoma Electric Cooperative, Lyon, MS where he began his career in 1956. Joe was part of the Rural Electric Cooperative Association and was President of the same from 1978 to 1980.

He was born in Meridian, MS on October 3, 1940 to Martin Melvin Hegwood and Blanche Loper Hegwood. He is survived by his wife of over 52 years, Mary True Hegwood; two sons, Joseph M. Hegwood, Jr. (Marty) of Babson Park, Timothy Lee Hedgwood and Tim's wife Linda of Orlando; brother, Dr. Melvin Hegwood and Beverly of Hot Springs, AR; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

Joe was a part of Grace Fellowship Church where he taught Wednesday Night Bible Study. He also volunteered with the Caring People Recovery Center in Bowling Green as a teacher, mentor, and friend.

Joe Hegwood's passion was Jesus Christ, his family, and Caring People Ministries. Joe has been an active teacher and member of Caring People for the past 20 years. He dedicated his Wednesdays and weekends to help struggling people that needed to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, touching the lives of thousands of addicted and recovering men, women, and children. He sacrificed his life to help those who needed the most help. Joe loved helping people and telling people where to find hope. That is why everyone who met and knew him, called him "Pastor Joe".

The family has asked that donations be made to a scholarship fund in Joe's memory at Caring People Recovery Center at CPRC, 5207 Doyle Parker Ave., Bowling Green, FL 33834.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Grace Fellowship Church at 131 S. 8th Ave., Wauchula at 2PM Thursday, August 20th. Burial will be at Hopewell Cemetery in Water Valley, MS.