Joe was a lifelong learner and excelled in every pursuit. He graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 1978, where he earned the Rho Chi Award, the Mississippi Drug Award for Outstanding Achievement in Pharmacognosy, the Pharmacology Award, the Phi Delta Chi Award, the Kappa Psi Award, the Kappa Epsilon Award and the Pharmacy Management Award. While in pharmacy school, he was a two-time winner of the Taylor Medal, which is the highest academic honor awarded by the university.
Joe continued his education at the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 1982. Dr. Letteri subsequently opened a successful dental practice in Louisville, Mississippi, where he practiced dentistry until his passing. Owing to his commitment to lifelong learning, he was recognized as a Fellow in the American Academy of General Dentistry. He was also a member of the American Dental Association.
Joe was a devoted fan of Ole Miss sports, especially football. When Ole Miss wasn’t playing, he enjoyed gardening, cooking and woodworking, among other activities.
Joe is survived by his wife, Stacy; daughter, Meagan Boykin (Gunnar), of Conway, Arkansas.; sons, Scott Letteri, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Nathan Letteri, of Louisville; parents, Daniel and Melva Letteri, also of Louisville and brother, John Letteri, of Tupelo, Mississippi. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Julie Scott, Max and Shea Boykin, of Conway, Arkansas, and Oli and Silas Letteri, of Hattiesburg. They knew him as their beloved “Joedaddy.” He is also survived by three step-children: Aimee Frances (Dion) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Rustin Meek of Oxford, Mississippi, and Gannon Meek of Louisville.
Serving as pallbearers are Phil Caldwell, Dion Francis, Robert Goodin, Rustin Meek, Roy Roeland, and Phillip Williams.
Memorials in honor of Joe may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tribute Program, P. O. Box 1000 Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
