Joe Leonard Labeause

Joe Leonard LaBeause, 58, of Lizella died at his home on December 19, 2011. Born and raised in Memphis, TN, he lived in the Macon area since 1993. He was a Social Studies teacher at the Rumble Academy of Warner Robins High School. He previously taught at Northside High School and Westside High School in Macon where he was the announcer for the Seminoles' home football games, team advisor for the Model UN team, and the STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Teacher for 2002-2003. He loved sailing, Braves baseball, Memphis BBQ, history, UT Football, his family, friends, students, and his three Old English Mastiffs, one of whom accompanied him (as Hagrid and Fang) during a recent appearance at Mercer University's Harry Potter Exhibit. He was predeceased by his father, Albert Guy LaBeause.

His memory will be cherished by his wife of 26 years, Jan (Janice) Hawkins LaBeause; mother, Gladys LaBeause of Memphis; sister and brother-in-law, Neppie and Gary Cordell of Marion, AR; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Keith and Tracey Hawkins of Cincinnati, OH; nieces, Michelle Cordell Ray (Tony), Amanda, Sarah and Casey Hawkins; nephew, Barry Cordell; two great nieces, Lilly Grace and Eme Ray; two great nephews, Jayden Cordell and Jackson Ray; and a host of cousins, friends and former students.

A memorial service will be held at Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola in Macon on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 2:00PM. Visitation will follow the service. An additional service will be held in Memphis at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Steudlein Learning Center, PO Box 2627, West Memphis, AR 72303, or LeBonheur Children's Medical Center, 50 N. Dunlap Street, Memphis, TN 38103.

Register online at www.hartsmort.com.

Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements. Click here to view floral tributes.">.