Joel Randolph Hite

Joel Randolph Hite, known as J.R., of Woodstock, Georgia passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024. This beloved husband, cherished father, caring brother, and adored "Paw Paw" is now reunited with his loving wife Edna, son, Danny, and daughter, "sissy" in heaven.

He was born on September, 1, 1938. to the late Joel and Frances Hite, in Elberton, Georgia. J.R. worked construction for years and was always proud of all the high rises in and around Atlanta, Georgia that he helped build. He loved to hunt, fish, coach and play softball, watch Georgia Football, the Atlanta Braves, and Nascar Racing. In 1977, he moved his family to Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, Georgia, where he and his wife served as the caretakers of the track from 1977-2013. 

During that time J.R. was a staple around the track. Working hard all week to make sure the track was ready for racing every Saturday night. He manned the gas pumps at the track during race days for years and loved his racing family. He was always quick with a joke and to tell you about his friendships with NASCAR driver Bill Elliott - whom he met several times over the years. 

J.R. loved his family. The oldest of nine kids, he was close to his sisters and brothers who helped care for him. during the last few years of his life. He was married to Edna for 55 years. He loved her so and would always talk about how lucky he was to find a woman who would put up with him for all those years. 

In addition to his parents J.R. is preceded in death by his loving wife Edna (Thacker) Hite; daughter, Theresa "Sissy" Hite; son, Danny Hite, and his brothers, Wayne Hite and J.B. Hite . 

J.R. is survived by his son Terry Hite; daughter, Sandra hite; six grandchildren, Kassi (Thomas) Belz, Melissa Martin, Christina Hite, Sammy (Ally) Hite, Brandi (Gary) Dalton, Frankie Long; two brothers, Donald (Sharon) Hite, Jackson (Sandra) Hite; four sisters, Bobbie (Lawrence) Brand, Carolyn Snyder, Brenda (Parks) Davis, Nancy (James) Owenby, two sister-in-laws, Janice Hite, Becky Hite; twenty great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

The Family will receive friends at Clark Funeral Home on Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 5:00 PM~7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held form the Sam Clark Chapel on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Don Rackley officiating. J.R. will be laid to rest at Redeeming Grace Church Cemetery with T.J. Belz, Gary Dalton, Joe Harrison, Kris Martin, Frankie Long, Ricky Bray, Joseph Dalton, and Jaden Skyles serving as pallbearers. 

You may share your thoughts and condolences online at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com

Clark Funeral Home of Hiram, Georgia is honored to be entrusted with the services for Mr. J.R. Hite.