Celebrating the life of
Joseph Charles Muller
June 24, 1918 - December 11, 2008
JOSEPH CHARLES MULLER
Joseph Charles Muller, 90, died December 11, 2008 at Candler Hospital, surrounded by family. He was born in Savannah on June 24, 1918, one of seven children of William Albert Muller and Mary O'Leary Muller. He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church.
Joe graduated from Sacred Heart School and Savannah High School, and he received an AA degree from Armstrong Junior College. In 1951, he earned a BBA in accounting from the University of Georgia with a 4.0 G.P.A. and was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. While at UGA, Joe also served as an instructor in accounting.
He was president of the Armstrong State College Alumni Association in 1958-59 and again in 1982-83. He also served as president of the University of Georgia Alumni Association of Savannah.
Joe began his career in his family's bakery and was a graduate of Chicago's American Institute of Baking.
In 1942, Joe obtained a commercial pilot license and instructor rating from the Piedmont School of Aviation, and he trained cadet pilots of the U.S. Army Air Corps in PT-17 biplanes and other aircraft. He later owned P&B Flying Service in Thomasville, GA.
Joe returned to Savannah in 1948, where he worked with his father-in-law at John D. Robinson Co. industrial supply and later served as president of the company until it was sold in 1973. Continuing his commitment to education, Joe also served as an evening instructor in accounting at Armstrong Junior College and Armstrong College for a number of years.
In 1962, Joe began his long career in the insurance industry. He later served as president of Joseph C. Muller, Inc., until his retirement in 1986. He obtained his CPCU rating and served as president of the Georgia Association of Professional Insurance Agents, the Savannah Chapter of the Independent Insurance Agents, and the Savannah Chapter of the Society of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters.
Joe also established a career in real estate, earning his REALTOR license and forming his agency through Joseph C. Muller, Inc. He was a member of the Savannah Board of REALTORS and a graduate of the Georgia REALTORS Institute.
Joe was past-president of The Hibernian Society, The German Heritage Society, the Exchange Club of Thomasville, the Exchange Club of Savannah, and the Coastal Heritage Society. He was past commander of the Francis S. Bartow Camp #93, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Joe was chairman of the Armstrong State College Alumni Endowment Fund and of the Blessed Sacrament School Foundation Fund, and he was vice-chairman of the Hodge Foundation-Project Basic Education Delivery System Council. He also served on the board of trustees of the Tybee Island Historical Society.
Joe was active in helping to form the early Ardsley Park Neighborhood Association. He was a member of the Georgia Historical Society, Historic Savannah Foundation, Telfair Museum, Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Association, WWII Hawthorne Pilots Association, Savannah Yacht Club, Coastal Empire Fair Association, Knights of Columbus #631, BPOE #183, and Happy 'Geechees.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret "Tony" Robinson Muller, and their seven children: Marnie, Joseph, Jr. Terese, John, James Leigh, Helen Merkle, Peter Lisa, and Anne Guidera Tim; 18 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas; his sister-in-law, Mrs. J. Frederick Muller; and his devoted care-givers, Gloria P. Johnson and Dorothy Hall.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of The Hibernian Society, The German Heritage Society, and the Exchange Club of Savannah.
Visitation will be at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at Blessed Sacrament Church at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2008 with the burial at Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to a charity of your choice.
Mrs. Muller, John and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was such an amazing human being. I enjoyed spending time with him and listening to his stories of life and history. Although our time together was short, it is no surprise that he left a life-long impression. My sincere condolences.
- Debbie Pope, Havertown, PA
Joe, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Please give your mom & the rest of your family my sympathy. Sue Swift CSX - Jax, FL
- Sue Swift, JACKSONVILLE, FL
Dear Aunt Tony and family: We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Joe. We just found out about what happened and we are truly sorry we were not there in your time of need. You know that he is being looked out after God the Angels and also Uncle Joe's brothers and sister. If we can help in any way call me at 659-4481.You have our deepest sympathy on your lose of a kind, caring, religious and someone we deeply loved his family. Love, Kathleen, Rick, Stephanie and Jason
- Kathleen Muller Hall, Savannah, GA
I had the pleasure of working with Mr Muller at Coastal Heritage Society. He took his work serious but also had a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
- Don Bennett, Savannah, GA
To the Muller Family,my sympathy to you all.Joe was a true gentleman and an asset to Chatham County.You are in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. We are very thankful and appreciative of Mr. Muller's dedication and long-standing service to Armstrong.
- AASU Alumni Association, Savannah, GA
Aunt Tony, I am heartbroken that I could not make it to Savannah for the funeral. I loved Uncle Joe so much and will miss seeing him and joking with him at family gatherings. He led a full life and did so much good for all the organizations with which he was affiliated. I will pray for him along with mom and Daddy. I know they are all together in Heaven with Uncle Daniel, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Mary, Uncle Freddy and all the others. God bless you in your time of grief. Billy
- William A. Muller III, Creedmoor, NC
To All of the family, My prayers are with you all. It is never easy losing a loved one and I do pray that the Lord hold you all in his hands and give each of you comfort as time heals your loss.
- Mike Hosti, Tybee Island, GA
Joe, Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Justin Davidson CSX Russell, KY
- Justin Davidson, Worthington, KY
Your whole family is in my prayers. I have fond memories of Mr Muller. When I think of him I call up this picture in my mind: After sleeping over with Anne, we would come down to the kitchen. Mr Muller would always be there at the breakfast table, peering at us over his newspaper that was propped against a metal stand. I always felt badly that we were interrupting a pleasurable experience he was having. As an adult I realize that it may have been a defence mechanism. Mr Muller was always kind and a loving father to his children.
- Jackie Ward Klein, Savannah, GA
Our deepest sympathy to the Muller family at this great loss. Prayers be with you.
- Laurie & Karen Hosford, Tallahassee, FL
Joe and the Muller Family. I was sorry to hear of Mr. Muller. My thoughts are with you and your family. Debbie Baier
- debbie baier, atlanta, GA
Tony and family, Pete and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Tony, remember that time I came racing in to the Tybee cottage, thinking it was Mo's next door? You and Joe invited me to sit down and have breakfast...beautiful! Lovingly, Ellen and Pete
- Ellen O'Leary & Peter Berquist, TYBEE ISLAND, GA
We have made a small donation to the Friends of the Tybee Theater in Joe's name. He loved Tybee so.
- Ellen O'Leary & Peter Berquist, TYBEE ISLAND, GA
As a fellow member of #183, and PER of #1602, please accept my deepest sympathy for the family, as well as a $100 donation to Coastal Pet Rescue in his honor.
- Custis Bud Rosser, Savannah, GA
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of the Muller Family.
- Randy Luther, jacksonville, FL
Mrs. Muller, John and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was such an amazing human being. I enjoyed spending time with him and listening to his stories of life and history. Although our time together was short, it is no surprise that he left a life-long impression. My sincere condolences.
- Debbie Pope, Havertown, PA
Joe, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Please give your mom & the rest of your family my sympathy. Sue Swift CSX - Jax, FL
- Sue Swift, JACKSONVILLE, FL
Dear Aunt Tony and family: We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Joe. We just found out about what happened and we are truly sorry we were not there in your time of need. You know that he is being looked out after God the Angels and also Uncle Joe's brothers and sister. If we can help in any way call me at 659-4481.You have our deepest sympathy on your lose of a kind, caring, religious and someone we deeply loved his family. Love, Kathleen, Rick, Stephanie and Jason
- Kathleen Muller Hall, Savannah, GA
I had the pleasure of working with Mr Muller at Coastal Heritage Society. He took his work serious but also had a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
- Don Bennett, Savannah, GA
To the Muller Family,my sympathy to you all.Joe was a true gentleman and an asset to Chatham County.You are in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. We are very thankful and appreciative of Mr. Muller's dedication and long-standing service to Armstrong.
- AASU Alumni Association, Savannah, GA
Aunt Tony, I am heartbroken that I could not make it to Savannah for the funeral. I loved Uncle Joe so much and will miss seeing him and joking with him at family gatherings. He led a full life and did so much good for all the organizations with which he was affiliated. I will pray for him along with mom and Daddy. I know they are all together in Heaven with Uncle Daniel, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Mary, Uncle Freddy and all the others. God bless you in your time of grief. Billy
- William A. Muller III, Creedmoor, NC
To All of the family, My prayers are with you all. It is never easy losing a loved one and I do pray that the Lord hold you all in his hands and give each of you comfort as time heals your loss.
- Mike Hosti, Tybee Island, GA
Joe, Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Justin Davidson CSX Russell, KY
- Justin Davidson, Worthington, KY
Your whole family is in my prayers. I have fond memories of Mr Muller. When I think of him I call up this picture in my mind: After sleeping over with Anne, we would come down to the kitchen. Mr Muller would always be there at the breakfast table, peering at us over his newspaper that was propped against a metal stand. I always felt badly that we were interrupting a pleasurable experience he was having. As an adult I realize that it may have been a defence mechanism. Mr Muller was always kind and a loving father to his children.
- Jackie Ward Klein, Savannah, GA
Our deepest sympathy to the Muller family at this great loss. Prayers be with you.
- Laurie & Karen Hosford, Tallahassee, FL
Joe and the Muller Family. I was sorry to hear of Mr. Muller. My thoughts are with you and your family. Debbie Baier
- debbie baier, atlanta, GA
Tony and family, Pete and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Tony, remember that time I came racing in to the Tybee cottage, thinking it was Mo's next door? You and Joe invited me to sit down and have breakfast...beautiful! Lovingly, Ellen and Pete
- Ellen O'Leary & Peter Berquist, TYBEE ISLAND, GA
We have made a small donation to the Friends of the Tybee Theater in Joe's name. He loved Tybee so.
- Ellen O'Leary & Peter Berquist, TYBEE ISLAND, GA
As a fellow member of #183, and PER of #1602, please accept my deepest sympathy for the family, as well as a $100 donation to Coastal Pet Rescue in his honor.
- Custis Bud Rosser, Savannah, GA
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of the Muller Family.
- Randy Luther, jacksonville, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
