William Joseph "Joe" Babb, Jr.'s Obituary
William Joseph Babb Jr.
October 3, 1926 – June 18, 2025
William Joseph Babb Jr., age 98, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025 surrounded by loved ones at his home. A devoted family man, proud veteran, and successful entrepreneur, Joe lived a full and meaningful life grounded in faith, service, and love.
Born on October 3, 1926, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Thelma and William Joseph Babb Sr., Joe was raised with his siblings Martha Ann Polk, his sister, and Billy Babb, his brother, who survives him. He attended Tech High School in Memphis, and after completing the 11th grade, he joined the Merchant Marines — proudly serving his country and embodying the values of discipline, patriotism, and resilience that defined his character.
After returning home, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Babb, on July 20, 1946, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Their 73-year marriage was filled with love, laughter, travel, and shared adventures.
A natural leader and hard worker, Joe was the founder of Delta Painting and Drywall and later Delta United Specialties, growing a successful commercial construction businesses that served projects throughout the United States. He was widely respected for his integrity, dedication, and entrepreneurial vision. Joe was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and a generous supporter of numerous charitable organizations and community causes.
In addition to his business success, Joe enjoyed being a pilot and took great pleasure in flying his own private planes — a passion that gave him both adventure and freedom in the skies.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty, in 2020, and by his son, Robert "Bobby" Babb, in 2021. He is survived by his loving daughter JoAnn Babb Adler (Justin); his grandson Michael Marshall jr. (Emily); and his granddaughter Leslie Marshall Fiala (Blake) — all of whom he adored deeply. Joe was also a proud great-grandfather to Griffin Marshall, William Marshall, Henry Marshall, and Sam Fiala, who brought him endless joy.
Joe cherished his time at his home in Destin, Florida, where he played golf, enjoyed the company of a wide network of friends, and soaked in the coastal beauty. He loved dogs, good conversation, and living life to the fullest.
William Joseph Babb Jr.'s legacy of faith, family, generosity, and hard work lives on in all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joe’s honor may be made to the Memphis Child Advocacy Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?