Joe Cotten (Jody) Drisdale’s Remembrance Service will be February 4th, 2022, 10AM at Salt Creek Baptist Church, Early, TX. Heartland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Joe Cotten Drisdale, age 68, passed away Sunday, January 16th, 2022 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, TX. Joe met his future wife, Teresa Laurie White, at Early High School when they were 17 and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 23rd, 2021.
Joe had many interests but found the automobile industry especially intriguing as his father, Thomas R. Drisdale owned a dealership. He began his career in sales at a young age and realized his dream of becoming a car dealer with three franchises: Ford, Kia and Mitsubishi. Joe enjoyed his great success in the car business but was most proud of the many close relationships he developed in his work. He was a mentor and friend to many and these friendships were a source of ongoing happiness.
Joe was called to work in ministry in his 50s and was eager to expand his knowledge to serve others. His degrees include Bachelor of Arts from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in 2000 (Dean’s List), Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Austin Graduate School of Theology in 2014, and Master of Divinity from Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in 2019. Joe’s most fulfilling career role was as a chaplain and he served others at church, homeless shelters, hospitals, retirement homes, and nursing centers at every opportunity.
After living in many cities enjoying career and educational opportunities (El Paso, Houston, Vicksburg, MS, Dallas, Atlanta, GA, and even as far as China) he was happy to return with Teresa to Early, TX in 2017 to enjoy semi-retirement with a focus on chaplaincy and gardening. He was pleased to reconnect with the community he enjoyed in high school.
Joe and Teresa welcomed their first daughter, Stefani Linn Drisdale Mathis in 1971 and their second daughter, Chelsea Lauren Drisdale Bond, in 1979. Joe was most delighted in his role of husband, father, and grandfather.
Joe is survived by his wife, Teresa Laurie Drisdale of Early; two daughters, Stefani Linn Drisdale Mathis and husband Richard Todd Mathis of Austin, TX and Chelsea Lauren Drisdale Bond and husband Daniel Latimer Bond of Raleigh, NC; four grandchildren, Tildon Elijah Saucillo of Raleigh, NC, Cerys Laurel Merriman of Raleigh, NC, Presley Drisdale Mathis of Austin, TX, Paisley Lola Drisdale Mathis of Austin, TX; brothers, Thomas Roscoe (Tommy) Drisdale, III, and Rosco Earl (Rocky) Drisdale and sister, Melinda Jane (Lynn) Drisdale Wexler. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas R. J. Drisdale and his mother Nancy Jo Davis Drisdale.
Online condolences, tributes and memorials can be shared with the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
What I Learned From My Father
Love your family and friends and be there when they need you. Show up. Tell people you love them. Hug them. Ask to make plans to get together. Check in often. Be quick to say you are sorry. Be quicker to forgive. The relationship and person are too important for anything else. Work hard. Give the best of your labors and support others with your gifts. Keep learning (Dad really valued education, self-research and critical thinking) and working to expand your understanding so that you are better able to serve others. Treat others with respect. Be grateful for all blessings in your life: family, friends, your God-given talents and gifts, health, animals, nature, shared moments with loved ones, laughter, travel, and fellowship with God. If you have something to give, give it. Money or time. Be generous with both. Be quick to laugh and share the amazing gifts of literature, music, art, film, and cuisine. Dad was always in awe of others’ talents and would share anything he thought would give someone joy whether a joke, book, song, movie or favorite BBQ joint. He loved to delight you! He was also quick to praise even the smallest accomplishments like a well-cooked home meal. He took delight in you! He really knew how to appreciate the beauty in the small things like a great cup of coffee or heirloom tomato. He was a gift giver and special moment planner. He deeply appreciated any gift and let you know how much he loved it. And of course, trust in God. Certainly, dad was a man of strong faith, but he would also share with you how to call on God for support in life without expecting anyone to have the same experience or relationship with God. Whether praying with you or for you, he was there to support anyone on their spiritual journey and meet you where you are. The words my father loved to say most were “Thank you” and “I love you”.
Thank you, Dad. I love you, Dad.
Stefani Linn Drisdale Mathis
