Joseph D. Dusek, 63, a native of Alabama and resident of Alpharetta, Ga., died Wednesday, March 14, 2012. He was born Feb. 21, 1949 in Pensacola, Fla., Joe spent his early years in Lillian with his mother Julia Dusek and his sisters Jean and Janas.

 Joe was always a passionate builder, from playing with his childhood erector set to later managing multi-million dollar construction projects. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Auburn University and later earned a master’s degree in management at Troy State University. He enjoyed a successful career in construction management, and he most recently served as a vice president at Hardin Construction, in Atlanta.

Joe and his wife Millie were childhood sweethearts. They met on Soldiers Creek, in Lillian, when Joe was 17 and they never left each other’s side. Joe was a loving and caring husband to Millie for 41 years; and a nurturing and generous father to their two children Amy and Joe. Known as “Papa,” he was a doting grandfather to Cooper Selby. His love for his family was constant and unwavering. He is also survived by his sisters, Jean Wolter (Gary) and Janas Connley (George); numerous nieces and nephews; a beloved family dog (Carmalita); plus a large extended family and circle of friends who all will treasure his memory and miss his wry sense of humor and companionship. 

 Funeral services were at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Elberta. The family requests donations c to the March of Dimes at marchofdimes.com/georgia or mailed to1776 Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA, 30309. Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes, Foley.