Joseph Chavis, Jr.

Mr. Joseph Chavis Jr., 80, of Raleigh, NC peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. He is survived by his wife Emma Chavis, their daughters Chelcey Chavis and Morgan Chavis; as well as former spouse Rose Chavis (Clark), their children Daman Chavis, Roxanne Chavis-Davis, and Beau Chavis. He will also be remembered by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Joseph was born to a loving and hardworking family in Richmond, VA on August 6, 1942. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Chavis, Sr. and Dorothy Chavis (Newkirk), sister Claudette Harris (Chavis), and son Joseph Chavis III. 

Joseph grew up surrounded by family and friends in the Blackwell neighborhood. During his youth, Joseph's hobbies included hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Joseph worked as a Paperboy for a local newspaper, and alongside his father for the family business, Chavis Transfer. Joseph attended Armstrong Highschool and graduated in 1960. He was a star on the football team, as well as in academics. In 1962 he enlisted in the US Air Force, where he worked in Crypto Maintenance and served during the Vietnam War. Joseph traveled to many countries worldwide and was honorably discharged in 1965. Upon returning home, Joseph was employed by the US Postal Service and attended engineering classes. He studied at Howard University, Virginia Union, and RPI. In December 1966 Joseph was hired by IBM in Richmond, VA, where he worked as a Computer Engineer. Throughout his career, he was promoted many times plus won awards for excellence. Joseph moved to Tampa, FL, and worked for a few years before relocating to RTP. He settled in Raleigh, NC in 1986. Joseph was an avid jogger who competed in several marathons, such as the Richmond Marathon and the City of Oaks Old Reliable 10k. Joseph's family treasures memories of him playing tennis, volunteering, and going on road trips with his children. Joseph retired in 1992 and spent time mostly exercising at the nearby park and local YMCA. His later life was spent devoting time and effort to his two grandsons, Brandon and Maxwell, of Raleigh, NC. They were inseparable and he expressed love for them often. 

Although Joseph is gone, we celebrate his life. Joseph will be remembered for his playful personality and keen wisdom. We will cherish the time shared with him in our hearts always.

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