Joseph Luther Hendricks, Jr., of Norfolk, VA, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at the Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News VA. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Willardeen Harris Hendricks; a son, Alan Hendricks and his wife Mary Jo, of Charlottesville, VA, grandsons, Joseph (Jay), William, and Thomas Hendricks; a daughter, Melanie Evans and her husband John of Newport News, VA, and grandchildren, Joshua and Katie Evans. He is also survived by his older brother, Winton Hendricks of Chesapeake, VA. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Bertha Hendricks; and by his brothers, Raymond and Robert. Joe was born on February 24, 1928, at home in Riverside Memorial Park which his father owned and managed. He graduated from Maury High School in 1946, joined the Army, and served in Korea. After being honorably discharged, he attended the Norfolk Division of William & Mary and then graduated from VA Tech with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. It was at VA Tech that he met Williardeen Harris. He was also one of the first aeronautical engineers to receive a Professional Engineering Certification from the State of VA. Joe worked his entire career at the Naval Air Rework Facility focused on jet propulsion and became the Division head of the Jet Propulsion and Materials Engineering branches. Joe also enjoyed photography, woodworking, sailing, and hanging out with other sail boaters at the Hampton Yacht Club where he was a member. Joe was a member of Ocean View Baptist Church where he sang in the sanctuary choir, taught the Men's Bible Class, and served as a deacon. A funeral service will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel. Burial will follow at Riverside Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to the Joseph Hendricks Designated Fund at Ocean View Baptist Church, 9504 Selby Place, Norfolk, VA 23503. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for Joe during his struggle with Parkinson's disease, particularly those at Mary Immaculate and the staff at Morningside in Newport News where he recently resided.