Joel William Hampton, 73, of the Jefferson/Albany area passed away Thursday.
He was born at home in Lickskillet, N.C., to Alda Ruth Hawkins and William "Bill" Junior Hampton. He lived in North Carolina until he was 9 years old. In 1952 Joel migrated west to Oregon with his parents and little sister, Doris Carol.
Joel lived in the Jefferson area until 1971, graduated from Jefferson High School in 1958, worked for Georgia Pacific in Dallas for 10 years and was a Jefferson volunteer fireman for 11 years. He also worked for James River Paper Corp. for 24 years.
Joel married Phyllis in December of 1994. Joel's hobby and passion was turning old cars into hot rods. He was a man of high standards and a hard worker. He was a member of the National Hot Rod Association, Goodguys Organization, the Early Ford V-8 Club, Late Great Chevy Club and Eastside Christian Church.
Surviving Joel is his wife, Phyllis; sister Doris Davis of Salem; daughter Kimberly Ellis of Springfield; four grandchildren, one great-grandson, two stepchildren, three granddaughters and one great-granddaughter that has been a bright light in his life since 2009.
Joel was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Zumwalt of Albany.
A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 3, at Eastside Christian Church in Albany. Everyone is invited to bring their classic car/hot rod to the service; special parking will be provided in the front lot.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Eastside Christian Church.