Richard Joel Christie
Richard Joel Christie
Joel was born in Italy, TX on 10-16-1934 and after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s, he went peacefully to be with our Lord Saturday, September 16, 2017.
He was preceded in death by his parents Omar and Clara Christie, and his son-in-law Roland LeBlanc.
Survivors include his wife Pat, 3 children, Annette LeBlanc, Karen Morris (Allen), Rick Christie (Tracy) and 2 bonus children Cindy Longoria and Wendy Pucek (Ronnie), plus 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Joel had a 47-year career working with the Labor Unions which began in 1953 at Sinclair Refinery. Holding various positions through the years, he was President of Harris County AFL-CIO, he then became O.C.A.W. International Union Rep, later he was also Regional Director of the Gulf Coast Region and was elected OCAW International Secretary-Treasurer in 1997. After the merger between OCAW and the Paperworkers, he became PACE International Financial Secretary until Retirement in 2000.
Joel volunteered at Clear Creek Community Church and at Mainland Medical Center where he was known as one of the popular “popcorn” guys. His passion was woodworking and it was said that he could make anything if he had a piece of wood. Spending time with family, enjoying kids sporting activities, playing the harmonica and piano were high on his lists.
Always willing to help anyone anytime, he had a heart as big as Texas and was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
A visitation in his honor will be held 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Wednesday, September 20, 2017, Crowder Funeral Home, Dickinson, with a Celebration of Life following at 1:00 pm.
To the loved ones of Joel Christie,
Although we did not have the privilege of knowing Mr. Christie, we have personally experienced the pain of losing someone we loved dearly. We extend our heartfelt condolences to each of you. Please be assured of God’s enduring love for you, his concern with your well-being, and his willingness to help you endure this difficult time. (1 Peter 5:7) We pray that God’s promise at Revelation 21:4 will provide you comfort in the days to come. For further comforting thoughts, please visit https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/watchtower-no3-2016-may/when-a-loved-one-dies/.
The Guillory Family
Covington, LA
My condolences to the Christie family. I only had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Christie (call me Joel) once but is was memorable. He gave me one of his wood pieces that still hangs on my wall.
So truly sorry for your loss! You’re in my thoughts and prayers!🙏
From the Robinson boys and our families, of Corsicana, Texas. We do not get together as we did in years past. This due to age difficulties and distance. But our love for family and friend is still as strong as ever. Joel will be ever remembered as one of the best men ever. He always had a smile, a laugh, and a love of life about him. He is in his Mansion in the Sky now, and Jesus is his friend and companion. And all of the people before. Joel’s dad, Homer, ran a general store in Donie, Texas. There is a gentleman in that area, with his wife, Billy and Beth Bean, used to play “42” with Homer and Clara, and they remember the family as well Joel will be missed by many and his passing is a sorrow to all who knew him. But Joel is celebrating with our Lord and Savior. He will be waiting. Fear not.
It is such a sorrow to see that Joel has journeyed to his eternal home. But fear not, for he is in the Arms of God.
Pat and family
I was so sadden to hear of Joe’s passing this morning please accept my deepest condolences.
Jim Lefton
We love you Papaw. I will see you again.
Dear Pat,
I located your husband’s obituary just now and he had accomplished so much in his life and I know you must have been very proud of him. He was also a fine looking man and I know you both had a wonderful and lovely life together. May you remember the good times you shared with him throughout his and your life together. Always remember my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Your Forever High School Friend
Eddie Alldredge
SBHS Bears
Class of ’60
Joe Christie had established himself as a labor leader by the time I hired on at the ARCO plant in southeast Houston in 1974. He was recognized for his talents by his union, which is now merged with the United Steel Workers. It takes a special person to dedicate one’s life to the cause of labor. Joe Christie was one of those. Jana Pellusch, USW local 13-1 (formerly OCAW 4-367, Pasadena,TX)