Warren Cromwell Josey, 84, of Georgiana, went to his heavenly home on Sat., May 1, 2010. He was at home with his friends and family members. He had battled cancer for several months.

He was born April 23, 1926, in Butler County to L.H. and Cleta Pittman Josey. He lived most of his life in Georgiana and raised his family there. He was married on July 3, 1953, to Faye Beck Josey, and the couple reared two children. At the age of 17, he went to work on the L&N Railroad and retired at the age of 60, having worked 43 years. During that time, he served two years in the Army during WWII.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother and sister-in-law, A.C. and Minnie Josey; a sister, Elizabeth; a sister and brother-in-law, Leila and Luther Harvill; a sister, Rose Mary; and a sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Raymond Burt. He was also preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Willie and Ethel Murphy Beck; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roy and Julia Beck; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John H. and DeLois Black; a brother-in-law, Lamar Cone; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Nathan and Ann Cameron; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul and Nelle Beck. He was also preceded by a niece, Sue PreJean of Houston, Texas.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Faye; a daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Alan Ward of Georgiana; a son and daughter-in-law, Cromwell Jr. (Bubba) and Sharyn Josey of Andalusia; sister, Lorene Kinsey of Florrisant, Mo.; grandchildren, Bryon (Tiffany) Ward and Isaac (Jessica) Ward of Georgiana, Blakely (Heather) Ward of Red Level and Marie Josey of Andalusia; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Erica, Braxton, Bryce and Branum Ward all of Georgiana; many nieces, nephews and nephews-in-laws. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Drucilla Cone of Camilla, Ga.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was not a person to show a lot of public affection, but he enjoyed being loved by his family. He was a very avid supporter of Alabama football and Braves baseball. He also loved to hunt and fish, but it had been several years since he had done either. He was very interested in the Hank Williams Festival and advertised it from the end of one festival till the beginning of the next. He was also very interested in anything taking place at the Ga-Ana Theater and he and the owner, J.C. Sims, were the best of friends. He was also very interested in what was happening in his town of Georgiana and had even been accused of being “the overseer.” He had thoroughly enjoyed his retirement from the railroad by staying involved, and he was always anxious in hearing about anything concerning the railroad.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. today, Wed., May 5, from the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Randy Sexton officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with Masonic rites.

Honorary pallbearers will be current and former employees of the railroad.

Those unable to attend services may give online condolences at johnsongeorgiana.com.