Joe Nick Wynn

Joe Nick Wynn, II also known as “Joe Nick” and “Junnie” was born to the late Joe Nick Wynn, Sr. and Mary Magdalene Grant Wynn on September 7, 1950 in Portsmouth, VA. To his mother, he had a heart of compassion, and Joe truly adored Mother. Joe experienced two miracles while residing with his baby sister and care manager, Gloria; her husband, Ron; and their daughter, Mary and granddaughter, Jalia Monet. One: His life was spared after a stroke on 2003 (Joe lived 9 more years); Two: He was delivered from a near death illness in 2004 and in 2005. God, in His infinite grace, allowed him to quietly slip away on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 while relaxing in his plush recliner. Joe was the first born of four children to Joe and Mary, and the oldest of eight children of his father. As an older brother, he carefully watched over them. He received his education in Portsmouth, VA School System, and graduated form Craddock High School, where he was a popular point guard (one of two African American players on the team). He absolutely loved playing basketball and made it an active part of his life until his death. He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970 and completed Basic Training at Fort Campbell, KY. Joe was an expert Marksman and worked as an Administrative Supply Clerk, Postal Supervisor and Administrator while in the Army. He advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant rapidly and received many commendations and medals for his accomplishments. While in Okinawa, Joe married Alfreda Teal; from this union was born on son, Michael Anthony Wynn. He was a devout father who dedicated his life to teaching his son to develop become a basketball player. Joe went on to serve military tours in Stuttgart, Germany (coached the Stuttgart Champions basketball team), Fort Hood, TX and his last tour was in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Throughout his military career, Joe organized and coached championship basketball teams, softball and he was also an excellent bowler. In 1978, he relocated to the Washington, DC area with his son and has been employed as a Distribution Manager at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) since that time. Among his colleagues he was highly regarded for his dedication, loyalty and commitment that always stood out; this was evidenced when he received several Chairman’s awards and Certificates of Appreciation. Joe organized and coached co-ed championship softball teams and co-ed flag football teams at the NRCC. He loved bowling in leagues and held a consistent average of 270. In recent years, he was given a surprise 60th birthday celebration and he was the first employee to serve the NRCC for 33 years. Joe’s last day of service at the NRCC was the day of his transition. Joe was a gentle giant with a calm, quiet spirit, who had a great big heart. He would give to anyone in need and brought sunshine to all who came in contact with. He loved to give and joyfully serve his family, his workplace, his community and the church. As an Executive Board Member of the Wynn, Stith & Blowe Family Reunion Committee, he supplied printing for family activities, registration materials and souvenir journals. He also unselfishly provided professional programs, packets, and printing service materials for community organizations and churches in the COGIC in the following jurisdictions – VA III (Bishop Willis), Wash. DC (Youth Dept.; Women’s Dept) and Greater Maryland (Kingdom Builders Women’s Dept.; 2010 T.R. Young District Meeting and 2011 Couples Ministry Conference) He was a lifetime member of Mt. Zion COGIC in Portsmouth, VA; founding pastor, the Right Rev. David Harvey Dunlap. As a child, Joe was taught Christian principles and stewardship through attending Sunday School, Youth Dept and Vacation Bible School (his mother had one of the largest in town). He also sang “high tenor” in the choir and with his siblings, and at home and loved to sing and play love ballads/jazzy music (like the Delfonics and Whispers) on the piano. One of his memorable scriptures is Psalm 100. Throughout his church life he loved to sing “Sending Up My Timber” and “Walk Around Heaven All Day.” Joe loved the singing of Bishop Ranch Allen, and would stop whatever he was doing to listen to his favorite song “O How I Love the Name Jesus, It is the Sweetest name I Know.” Joe leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Alfreda Wynn; his son, Michael A. Wynn; two brothers, D. Omar (Jacquelyn) Wynn and Allen Wynn; five sisters, Phyllis (Walter) Wynn Anderson, Gloria (Ronald) Wynn Lilly, Aretha (Chris) Wynn Greene, Sabrina Wynn and Whitney Wynn, one step-brother, Kirk Thomas; and two step-sisters, Madalyn Thomas and Evangeline Thomas Chambers; three grandchildren, Raven, Jalen, and Makayla; two special nieces and great nieces Mary (Jaila) and Courtney (Ryann); two special nephews, Troy and Joseph; two very close cousins, Carl Wynn and Sylvia Porter; close friends, Coach Patterson, Coach George McClure, Patricia Askew, Kathy Thomas Smith, Liz Hamel Wellinghorst, Ellen Shindelham; a host of other relatives , friends and many athletes who crossed his path in his lifetime.

Tributes

Joe Nick Wynn

September 7, 1950 - April 4, 2012