Joseph F. Woodlief "Big Red"

Joseph Fulton Woodlief, known affectionately as Big Joe or Chief Big Red, passed away on March 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, an unwavering dedication to his family and community, and thousands of cans of IPA. He was born on December 15, 1963 to Capt. Frank Lyon Woodlief (U.S. Navy) and Harriett Ann Woodlief, grew up in the Ortega area of Jacksonville, Florida, and attended Episcopal High School and Lee High School.

Joe met the love of his life, Susan, at Jax Lanes Bowling Center on Beach Boulevard. Though they bowled in separate leagues, their paths intertwined after games for karaoke nights and social gatherings. Their love story blossomed, and together they built a beautiful family with their two sons, Fulton and Travis, who were Joe's greatest pride and joy. He was a devoted father, always cheering from the sidelines at their soccer games, offering encouragement and support.

Joe was an integral part of the Native Sons & Daughters of Jacksonville, where he achieved the rank of Federation Chief and was known as Chief Big Red. Through this organization, he mentored and loved countless children, led camping trips to Hanna Park and Spirit of the Suwannee, and was known for Big Red's Critter Race, his campfire storytelling, and his chicken wings and green beans.

Joe was also an active participant in the Northeast Florida Scottish Games, proudly sporting the Lindsay tartan, tossing the caber, and enjoying camaraderie with other athletes under his tent with a cold beer. His one regret was never having the chance to toss a caber in Scotland itself.

Joe was a dedicated member of Lakewood Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, preschool liaison, and youth group chaperone.

Joe loved cooking, cheering on the Florida Gators and Jacksonville Jaguars, cheering on his sons at their soccer games, and creating connections with everyone he encountered. He never met a stranger and had an unmatched ability to make people feel loved, included, and valued. At the time of his passing, Joe was a logistics operations manager for RJ Young.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Lyon Woodlief and Harriett Ann Woodlief, his brother Allan Woodlief, and his beloved dog, Rosie Blue "Rosie Doodle" Woodlief. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his sons, Fulton and Travis; his siblings, Walter Woodlief (Teresa), Mitch Woodlief (Jineane), Jim Tobin, and Katherine Woodlief; and cherished nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews who will forever cherish his memory.

A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 2001 University Blvd W, Jacksonville, FL 32217.

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