Joseph Forrest Paschall, Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Joseph “Joe Joe” Forrest Paschall Jr. on December 28, 2024. A beloved son, brother, friend, and Marine. Joe Joe was a friend to many and a stranger to none. 

Joe Joe was born into a military family in Camp Pendleton, CA on February 29, 1996. Throughout his childhood, he lived in England, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia, settling in Madison, Alabama, which he eventually considered home. Joe Joe graduated from Bob Jones High School in 2014 and matriculated to Auburn University thereafter.

With a passion for leadership and service, Joe enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 2016 while pursuing his studies at Auburn University. He began his Marine Corps career with the 3d Force Reconnaissance Company in Mobile, AL and successfully completed the Basic Reconnaissance Course in 2018. Soon thereafter, he made the decision to transition from the reserve component to active duty and reported to 2d Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Lejeune. After checking in to 2d Recon, he was placed in a team leader billet. Joe cherished this position because it not only highlighted his leadership and development skills but also his ability to connect with his Marines and cultivate his interpersonal relationships with them. 

Joe deployed as a Team Leader with the 26th MEU (SOC) on the USS Bataan and was promoted to Staff Sergeant on January 1, 2024. Though SSgt. Paschall held a lengthy list of accomplishments, he was most proud of becoming a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). He worked tirelessly on his craft and eventually became a JTAC Instructor (JTAC-I) where he shared his vast knowledge with Recondos of every rank, optimizing the operational capability of his organization. SSgt. Paschall’s service was recognized with numerous honors, including two Navy-Marine Corps Commendations Medals, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Naval Parachutists Award, Combatant Dive Insignia, numerous campaign awards, among other commendations. 

Though he was extremely passionate about his role as a Marine, there was so much more to Joe Joe than his professional endeavors. As a jack of all trades, his hobbies were ever-evolving. Most of his joy was found in small, everyday feats and he ensured that everyone around him felt that joy too. Contagious is an understatement in regards to his joyful spirit. Relaxing on the beach, smoking meats on his beloved smoker “Tammy-Lynn”, powerlifting, solving the daily New York Times puzzles, and playing with his dog, Ferdinand, were just a few of the things in which he found immense joy. Joe Joe never turned down a beach hot dog or an opportunity to perfect or indulge in homemade cheesecake. He was the king of one-liners and storytelling, with the ability to quote any and all sitcoms under the sun. He truly embraced life and all it had to offer, throwing his indomitable spirit into every activity.

Joe Joe leaves behind a father, Joseph (Julie) Paschall Sr. of Huntsville, AL; mother, Susan Nehilla of Madison, AL; sisters, Christina (Jeremy Armstrong) Paschall of Smyrna, GA, Rebecca Paschall of St. Petersburg, FL and Anna Paschall of Auburn, AL; Fiancée Sage Davis of Fayetteville, NC; as well as beloved friends, Theta Chi fraternity brothers, and Marine Corps teammates whom he loved dearly. 

Joe Joe was truly larger than life. He lived big and loved big and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. There are no words to describe the impact that he left on this world. Joe Joe’s legacy transcends his accolades and will continue to inspire the loved ones who survive him.

The Celebration of Life will be held at Legacy Chapel in Madison, AL on Saturday, January 11th at 1PM CT. Per Joe Joe’s request, the dress code will be Hawaiian shirts and open-toed shoes (socks permitted). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the USMC Recon & Sniper Foundation.