Thomas "Tom" M. Joseph Sr., of Covington, passed peacefully in the arms of his wife, Diana, December 25, 2013, at the age of 66.  A people person, he owned and operated DJ Package Store, where he loved talking to and meeting new people. He enjoyed NASCAR and was a Dale Earnhardt fan. He enjoyed fishing with his best friend, Ed Needham, sitting around the fire with his friends, and grilling out. He was preceded in death by his father, Sam P. Joseph; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bobbie and Roy Turner.

Survivors include his wife, Diana L. Joseph of Covington; daughters, Amelia Michelle Joseph of Covington, Heather R. Strack of Monroe, Mich.; son and daughter-in-law, Tommy Jr. and Aubrey Joseph of Mansfield; mother, Beatrice Joseph, also of Monroe, Mich; grandchildren, Michael Joseph III, Daniel Joseph, and his newest grandson, Lucas Joseph, all of Mansfield, Christopher Strack and Miranda Strack, both of Monroe, Mich.; brother and sister-in-law, Sam Jr. and Karen Joseph of Big Rapids, Mich.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Donna and Daryl Novack, Julie and John Billmaier, and Terry and Susie Turner, all of Monroe, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Mr. Joseph will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, Covington. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for three hours prior to the service, from noon-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newton County Masters Special Olympics, c/o Pam Dun, 2103 Floyd St. NE, Covington, Ga. 30014.