Joel Lavant, beloved son of the late Eddie Roe and Maggie Lee Lavant, was born in Worth County, Georgia on January 12, 1945.

He received his primary and secondary education in the Worth County School System. Throughout school, Joel was a very inquisitive and  conscientious student whose mind never ceased questioning. He garnered much from his educational experiences while gaining valuable technical and industrial skills that heightened his interest in the trucking industry.

Joel was a persistent, conscientious individual who was no stranger to hard work.  He was a dedicated employee of Chem Nut, Inc. (CNI) where he   worked untiringly to ensure that every task was given his utmost attention and completed with extreme care.  On numerous occasions, he was hailed as a loyal and dedicated employee who never faltered in his duties and responsibilities.

Devoted father, nurturing grandfather, unfailing brother, awesome uncle, committed cousin, loving companion, and loyal friend, Joel embraced life with open arms.  He believed deeply in unconditional love, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and delighted in helping others.  Joel could always find the silver lining in any situation and he saw all people as important and worthy of friendship and compassion.

On Thursday, January 26, 2023, Joel departed this earthly life at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Joel Lavant, Jr. and Alphonso Lavant; and five siblings, Runel Williamson, Carla Mercer, Eddie Lavant, Jr., Edward Curtis, and Henry Lavant.

Cherished memories will forever remain with his children, Michelle (Dexter) Merritt and Valerie Gaines of Albany, GA, Willie (Sharon Lavant of Miami, FL, and Jonah (Angela) Lavant of Atlanta, GA; siblings, Julie Lavant Childs and Otis K. Lavant of Albany, GA; brother-in-law, Russell Williamson; sisters-in-law, Annice Lavant and Jeanette Lavant; grandchildren and great grandchildren; a devoted fianc é , Dorothy Jean Brown; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.