William Helms: “as I speak, the countless friends of Joe Webb have been sadly saying farewell to him at services today in Raleigh and at…”

“as I speak, the countless friends of Joe Webb have been sadly saying farewell to him at services today in Raleigh and at Saint Matthews Church cemetery in Hillsborough, Joe's final resting place. Joseph Cheshire Webb, 83, died this past Friday afternoon after a distinguished career as trust officer for Wachovia Bank and Trust Company in Raleigh--which he had served for decades as head of that bank's trust department. But it was not merely Joe's able service as a highly respected banker that earned for him the wide circle of friends who were saddened by the news of his passing. Joe was thoughtful and caring without fail--and his sense of humor made him welcome everywhere he went. In other words, he was a genuinely good guy, a sincere and honorable friend. His service in the Navy during World War II, his participation in the civic and business life of Raleigh and the State of North Carolina, and the sincerity of his friendly personality earned for him the respect and affection of all who knew him. To all of us who knew Joe Webb well, he was what the late Senator Dick Russell of Georgia so often referred to as 'one of Nature's Noblemen.' I am proud to have been his friend, Mr. President, and to have him as mine. I shall miss him.”