November 26, 1943-May 15, 2026
Joseph “Joe” Hager was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on November 26, 1943. He grew up in Flintstone, Georgia, and attended Chattanooga Valley High School and Chattanooga City High School. After graduation, Joe attended the University of Chattanooga, where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering.
Following college, Joe was recruited by Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Washington. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Janice Harmon Hager. After working for two years in Arlington, Texas, Joe and Janice returned to the Chattanooga area. In 1979, they made their home in Rock Spring, Georgia, where they remained for the rest of their lives together.
Joe was an avid horseman who deeply loved riding and caring for horses. He also found great joy in planting and tending his garden. Above all else, Joe cherished his family. His love and devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family were always his highest priority. Known affectionately as “Pap,” Joe was a faithful member of Rock Spring Methodist Church for 49 years.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Nora Faye Hager and Joseph Floyd Hager.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jan Hager; son, Brian Hager, and daughter-in-law, Amy Garrison Hager; daughters, Heather Hager Moyer and son-in-law, Mark David Moyer, and Elizabeth Roberson (Rich); grandchildren, Mandy Angeline and Andrew Joseph (A.J.) Moyer, and Alex, Megan, and Jake Hacker; sisters, Brenda Moulton (Rick) and Wanda Vittiglio (John); as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
A visitation and Celebration of Life will be held at Rock Spring Methodist Church on Saturday, June 13. Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with the Celebration of Life beginning at 3:30 p.m. Pastor Michael Thompson and Pastor Bill Lowery officiating.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Breedon, Simon Strickland, Skip Purcell, Darryl Skarda, and Rick Potts.
No graveside service will be held.
Instead of flowers, please give to your favorite charity or Rock Spring Methodist Church.
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.
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