I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. II Timothy 4:7-8 NLT.

Mr. Joe C. Passmore was born to Leroy Passmore Sr. and Myrtle Lee Jackson-Passmore on May 24, 1946, in Pike County (Troy), Alabama. His mother named him after Josephus in the bible, which means "Jehovah Increases". Joe always carried the Passmore name with dignity and pride, and he is the last remaining child of the eight children born to the late Leroy Passmore Sr. and Myrtle Lee Jackson-Passmore.

Joe was a good and faithful servant who loved the Lord and always took a stand for what he believed was right.  He dedicated his life to doing God's work, studying the word, and spreading the message, hope, and love of Jesus Christ to everyone around him.  Joe attended Union Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado for many years where he served on the Deacon and Trustee Board, he also served as a Deacon at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Troy, Alabama.

Joe was a family man, provider, and a proud and dedicated father.  He was a classic car enthusiast and entrepreneur, who also enjoyed the simple pleasures of going outside and working on things in the yard and his garden.  He always looked forward to visits from his kids/grandkids and sharing his home-grown pecans with his family and friends, especially during the holidays. He also had a true love for music. Some of his favorite artists were the Rev. James Cleveland, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Bob Marley, BB King, and his youngest daughter Tanya, playing songs for him on the organ.

Joe received his High School Diploma from Hillcrest High School in Brundidge, Alabama in 1966. He also received an Associate Degree in Automotive Mechanics in 1976, and an Associate Degree in Business Machine Technology in 1978 from the Community College of Denver.

Joe was a Military Veteran who proudly served our country in the Vietnam War. He was enlisted into the US Air Force on May 9, 1966, and was honorably discharged on August 1, 1968, after serving as a Security Policeman in the 377th Security of Police Squadron in Vietnam from November 26, 1967, to November 16, 1968. Sergeant Passmore was awarded an Air Force Commendation Medal for his professional skill and initiative that played a significant role in contributing to the effectiveness and success of the United States Air Force Mission in Southeast Asia. After leaving the military, Joe worked in roles of increasing responsibilities for the U.S. Postal Service in Denver, Colorado for approximately 30 years until his retirement in 2001. After his retirement from the Postal Service, he left Denver, Colorado and returned to his roots in Pike County, Troy, Alabama where he remained until he departed from this earthly life on September 25, 2023.

His parents, Leroy Passmore Sr. and Myrtle Lee Passmore, Troy, AL; his four sisters, Mary P. Blakely, Denver, CO; Mattie E. Rouse, and Myrtle Ruth Passmore-Smith, both of Troy, AL; and Jackie L. Passmore-Moody, Detroit, MI; three brothers, Arthur Passmore, Troy, AL; Leroy Passmore, Jr., and Robert L. Passmore, both of Detroit, MI; and his son, Emmitt Griffin of Florida have all preceded him in death.

Those who will forever cherish his legacy and loving memories include his daughters: Pamela (Anthony) Goodrum and grandchildren, Cydney, Denver, CO; and Lauren, Atlanta, GA; Cindy (James) Malone and grandchildren, Riley and Chloe, all of Denver, CO; Tanya (Marcus) Wilson and grandson, Cameron, all of Fort Worth, TX; Alfreda (Oliver) Littlefield and  grandchildren, Courtland and Brie, all of Grayson, GA; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Griffin and grandchildren, Treyvon and Latoya Griffin, all of Florida; devoted friends, Minnie Passmore, and Geraldine Passmore, both of Denver, CO; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends who were near and dear to his heart.