Joel, an attorney by education and a good Samaritan by heart, died from a massive stroke on Tuesday evening, November 23, 2010. He grew up in Panama City and graduated as co-valedictorian of Rutherford High School in 1975, where he participated in Debate, Tennis, Key Club, and Boy's State, among others. He graduated from Stetson University in Deland, FL in 1979 with a B.S. degree in Business and a major in Accounting. He obtained his law degree from University of Florida School of Law in the early 80's, thus making the "GATOR's" one of the loves of his life. He then practiced law in Tampa for several years, eventually following his passion for helping others through the Hillsborough County Legal Aid. He served as a Deacon of Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
He moved back to Panama City in 1998 to care for his ailing father, Marlin, who preceded him in death in 1999. He joined Grace Presbyterian Church upon moving back. Joel was a committee member of the: Scottish Festival Comm., the Ministry of Care at Grace Pres., The Panama City CROP Walk (charity walk for the hungry), Youth Activities Comm.(YAC) at Grace, spent countless hours with the youth of Grace(as chaperone/counselor, cook /driver to & from church camps) & many other activities for over 10 years. He was a board member for the Salvation Army emergency services (locally) & served for several years as a Board member of the local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), a member of the Adult & Bell Choirs at Grace Presbyterian Church, shopped for, prepared & cooked hundreds of meals at Grace for Wonderful Wednesdays church suppers, many special events & the Men of Grace monthly suppers as well. He was an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church, USA, a Sunday School teacher & teacher in Grace's After School Care (ASC) program & a long time member of the Men of Grace (& devoted visitor & care giver to the hospitalized & homebound) thru the Ministry of Care/ Men of Grace. He was a dear friend to countless numbers, especially in the Bay County community.
After the death of his father, Joel continued to live with and care for his mother, Doris Garrison Plough, who survives him and will miss his companionship and tender care. He is also survived by his sister, Connie Morris and her husband, Terry, niece, Marlene and great-nephew, Garrison, his other sister, Kathy Steward, of Atlanta, his only surviving uncle, Alva Garrison and wife Argie, their daughter, Regina and Joey Blair, and many other extended family members, who grieve his untimely loss.
A celebration of his Life will be held Sunday at 3:00PM at Grace Presbyterian Church with Pastor Tully Hunter officiating. A fellowship will be held immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. Consistent with his giving spirit, he donated his body to the University of Florida & Shands Research. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Memorial Fund of Grace Presbyterian Church or to the Salvation Army in memory of Joel Plough.