Joe Donald Trotter

Joe Donald Trotter, age 87, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Born in Clarkesville, Georgia, on October 29, 1936, Joe was the third child of the late Chester Terrell and Cora Blanche Trotter. 

Joe began his career at HEMC in March, 1955, as a lineman’s helper. After a time of service in the Army Reserves, he returned to HEMC to work his way up, and in 1966 began his long tenure as a staking technician in the Engineering Department. He retired in 2000. Joe’s work with HEMC allowed him to meet and befriend most of the population of Habersham and surrounding counties. When Joe went into public, it was pretty much a guarantee that he was going to bump into a friend and have a chat, whether it was at the grocery store or in the buffet line while on vacation at the beach.

It was at HEMC where he met Frances, who became his bride on June 17, 1962. They built their home on Amy’s Road in Clarkesville, where they lived until late 2018. Joe and Frances raised their sons at Hills Crossing Baptist Church, where Joe served as a deacon, was an active supporter of many programs, and participated in countless mission trips. Throughout his life, Joe was thankful to God in all things.

Joe was a band booster at HCHS, and he was a member of the Lions Club for many years. He owned Trotter Electric and Plumbing Supply, which he and Frances operated until 1989. 

In retirement, Joe spent two decades faithfully caring for Frances with loving devotion. In the last few years, dementia advanced and gradually robbed him of his memories. It did not, however, take his sweet smile and gentle gaze, which had his caregivers fighting over him, and gave his children and grandchildren glimpses of the kind and loving father and grandfather that he was. The way he lit up when he remembered and called you by name is something his family will always treasure.

Survivors include sons David Trotter of Auburn, GA, Doug (Shari) Trotter of Snellville, GA, Tim (Jean) Trotter of Macon, GA; grandchildren Ella and Cara Trotter of Macon, GA, Zayden Trotter of Stafford, VA, and Jasmine Chloupek (and great-granddaughter Aurora) of Plainfield, IN; sisters-in-law Lois (Zach) Zaccagnino of Lompoc, CA, and Vera Roberts of Mt. Airy, GA; brother-in-law Jerry Dawkins of Oakwood, GA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife Frances Stamey Trotter, brother, Louis B. Trotter, and sister, Bobby Jean Weaver.

Joe’s family extends a heartfelt “Thank You” to Delmar Gardens, Agape Hospice, and Ellen Smart and staff at Kinder Kare. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Habersham EMC, Joe Trotter Memorial Fund, 6135 Highway 115 West, Clarkesville, GA 30523. The funds will be used to assist those in need to pay their power bill.

Funeral services for Joe D. Trotter, age 87 of Clarkesville, will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Hillside Memorial Chapel.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM and on Monday prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. 

Online condolences may be sent at www.hillsidememorialchapel.com.

Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville, GA. 706-754-6256