Joseph Grady Westmoreland, III

Joseph Grady Westmoreland III, age 79, of Crane, Texas passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025. He was born June 22, 1945, in Texarkana, Arkansas to the late Joseph Grady Westmoreland II and Jo Ann Crane.

Joe was an educator for over 30 years. Most of those years he was a principal. He was at McCullough for many years. He was the principal at Crane High School for eight years. He ended his career at Zuni High School on the Zuni Indian Reservation in New Mexico. Being in the school business was not a job to him, it was a gift that he treasured.

Joe had a love of reading from an early age. He was an avid collector of books. He also liked going to Las Cruces and Hatch New Mexico. He would buy 50lbs of roasted green chilies. He put them in almost everything he ate. His other passion was going to Las Vegas. He loved to gamble.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ricky Westmoreland and Roland Akin.

Joe is survived by his wife, Felicia A. Westmoreland of 43 years. Two sons, Joseph Grady Westmoreland IV and his stepson, Billy Wayne Rogers. He also leaves 2 brothers, Bill Westmoreland and Brent Akin. He also leaves a sister, Deronda Steuttgen. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews. He loved talking and arguing with his best friend, Byron Rushing.

There will be no viewing or funeral service. In lieu of flowers for the family, please donate money to the Crane Retired Teachers Association so they may buy books for our elementary children. Donations may be dropped off at the Crane Pharmacy or contact Phyllis Anderson 432-631-0072. May Joe's love of reading be handed down to the children of Crane our future leaders of tomorrow.

Condolences may be made online to www.nicholsfunerals.com/obituaries.