Joseph James Gottler Jr., a friend to us all, passed away Thursday, Aug 14, 2014 at his home in Elberta, just two days shy of his 70th birthday.
Born to Joseph Gottler Sr. and Ottillia Deloris Horak Gottler, Joe was a graduate of Foley High School and the University of Alabama.
He worked for the state of Georgia as an auditor before coming home to Pensacola, where he ran Mr. Tax for many years in both Pensacola and Elberta.
An avid bridge player, Joe achieved the rank of Emerald Life Master in the ACBL. He was also interested in chess and philately.
Mr. Gottler was preceded in death by his spouse, Lavell Cash Gottler; and stepdaughter, Rhonda Thompson.
He is survived by his uncle, James Horak Sr. of Elberta; aunt, Rita Neumann of Foley; grandchildren, Fay Nicole Pelot (Jason) of Foley and Joshua D. Thompson (Heather) of Gadsden; great-grandchildren, Lillian and Brayden Pelot and Coraline Thompson; as well as many other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Foley on Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, from 5 until 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held from St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Elberta on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014 at 10 a.m.
Interment will follow in Prince of Peace Cemetery in Elberta.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Prince of Peace Cemetery Fund, c/o St. Bartholomew Church, 12795 Illinois St., Elberta, AL 36530.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Foley.
