Joseph "Joe" Gerald Shankwitz

Joseph Gerald Shankwitz, age 65, a resident of Lillian, AL, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Born in Miami, Florida, Joe was an active member of the scouts and reached the rank of Eagle Scout. Later, when his boys were young, he became a Scout Master. He worked for Pepsi Cola in his early career and later became a finishing carpenter.

Moving to Lillian, AL, in 2015, he quickly became part of the community. As a devout Christian, he joined the Lillian Methodist Church. He was active there and served as their handyman. He participated in the Men’s group and the Men’s Prayers group. For the Ecumenical Ministry, he constructed several wheelchair ramps to assist church members and the community.

Many evenings, you could see Joe running his dog, Petey, around the pecan grove of the church. Besides Petey, he had several indoor cats. He loved animals and had many outdoor cats adopt him as well.

Preceded in death by a son, Timothy Shankwitz, and a sister, Pamela Jean Shankwitz.

Survived by a son, Benjamin Shankwitz; brother Robert “Bob” (Vickie) Shankwitz of Lillian, AL; nephews Joseph (Lisa) Shankwitz of Tampa, FL, Robert (Ronnie Southard) Shankwitz, III of Chattanooga, TN; niece, Megan (Ian) Pitts of Fort Wayne, IN, and many other relatives and friends.