Dr. Joe Paget, Jr., 69, of Blacksburg, Virginia, a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son and brother, passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 7, 2018 with his family present. Over the past three years, he bravely fought the rapidly debilitating disease of Lewy Body Dementia.
A member of the Blacksburg community for over 40 years, Joe is survived by his wife, Marie Lala Paget of Blacksburg and son, Justin Fielder Paget (wife: Kasia) of Richmond, Virginia. An adored grandfather, “Papa Joe” is also survived by his grandchildren, Julia and Colin Paget.
Joe was born on Sept. 6, 1949, in Atlanta, Georgia, son of the late Joe Ansley Paget Sr. and Janie Fielder Paget of Christiansburg who survives him. Joe graduated from Grifton High School in 1967 as class salutatorian. In 1963, he reached the rank of Eagle Scout and was also inducted into the Order of the Arrow. Joe received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, as a Morehead Scholar in 1971. He graduated from UNC-CH School of Dentistry in 1974 with a Degree in Dental Surgery (DDS). From 1974 through 1977, Joe served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force (Captain) in the Azores and in Valdosta, Georgia. He earned a degree in Pediatric Dentistry at the College of Dental Medicine in Charleston, South Carolina in 1979.
As a pediatric dentist in Blacksburg from 1979 to 2015, Joe delighted in working with children and was affectionately known as “Dr. Joe.” His generous spirit knew no bounds as he treated children from the local free clinic and at regional weekend clinics throughout southwestern Virginia. Joe received a letter from Governor McAuliffe commending his work with the “Smiles for Children” program, nationally recognized as one of only seven model dental Medicaid programs in the country.
Joe’s zest for life and gregarious nature was always on full display as he loved interacting with neighbors and friends and fully immersing himself in the community. Over the years, Joe gave tirelessly and generously to charitable events and causes. Recently, devoted friends raised funds to build Dr. Joe’s Picnic Pavilion at Blacksburg’s Municipal Park. The pavilion is a fitting tribute as Joe was an enthusiastic believer that children need a place to play and incite their imaginations.
Joe loved travel and celebrating life’s events, large and small, along with his wife, Marie. His inquisitiveness for all topics was infinite and engaging in conversation was his favorite hobby. He was the quintessential extrovert.
Joe is also survived by his sisters: Jan Paget Loftin (husband: Kent) of Hobe Sound, Florida; Judy Paget Poole (husband: Roger) of Greensboro, North Carolina; Jill Paget Carpenter (husband: Michael) of Effingham, Illinois; and sisters‐in‐law: Margie Ferrage (husband: John) and Lena Lala of New Orleans, Louisiana.
He was also a beloved uncle to nieces and nephews: Dr. Drew Heberer, DDS; Nathanael Loftin; Dr. Jordan Ferrage, DDS; Caroline Loftin; Katie Carpenter Stuhr; Ethan Carpenter; and Briley Loftin.
Joe lived life joyfully with his glass half‐full. His family celebrates his life and remembers him with great admiration for all that he achieved and with deepest affection for all he selflessly gave in countless ways. His friends remember Joe fondly as the one who “sure had fun!”
You may email your memories and condolences to McCoy Funeral Home at mccoyfuneralhome@verizon.net.
Donations may be made to Church Street Project, Blacksburg, Virginia. Habitat for Humanity New River Valley, 1675 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Virginia 24073.
A memorial service and reception to celebrate his life will be held in Blacksburg at the German Club at 711 Southgate Drive from 2 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
