Joe Nathan Fain

Joe Nathan Fain was born to the late Lonnie Fain and Martha Bell Diggs Fain - Christmas on January 24, 1944. He was the youngest of three sons. He graduated from Newville Rosenwald School in 1962 as valedictorian of his class. After graduating from high school, he married the “Love of his life,” Janice Guildford Fain - and together they raised four beautiful daughters.

He joined the Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church located in Newville, Alabama as a young man, and continued his services until his departure on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.  He was a dedicated worker and did not see anyone as an outsider. He was familiar with everyone and expressed himself as a faithful Christian, believing in God and trusting him daily.

Mr. Fain was a faithful steward with the resources, gifts, and opportunities entrusted to him by God.  Our Heavenly Father will surely say to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” His dedication to the Newville community and the Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church could be observed for many years as he served as a Sunday school bus driver, Teacher, Deacon Board Member, Church treasurer, and Usher Board member. As the ultimate eternal reward our Lord and Master will also welcome him saying, “enter into the joy of your lord” – (Mathew 25:23). 

Mr. Fain touched many lives during his years of service at J.C. Penny and the United Parcel Service (UPS) where he worked for 36 years until retiring. His Christian leadership and work ethic led to honors and two awards at UPS that included recognition for driving 20 years without an accident, and for 26 years remaining accident free. He received a certificate for 26 years of perfect attendance with an induction into the UPS Hall of Fame in Birmingham, Alabama.  In 2004, he shared the Dedication Service Award from the Henry County Nursing home with his lovey wife Janice.  

Mr. Fain was a blessing to many in his family and the community. He was the living Mt. Sinai cemetery historian. He knew almost everyone buried in the graveyard and how they were associated to family and the church.  He will be missed. God has an angel who’s dedicated, committed, and ready to serve.

Joe Nathan Fain lovely wife, Janice Guilford Fain, and his two brothers: Norman Fain, and Jerry Fain - preceded him in death.

Mr. Fain leaves to mourn four daughters: Pamela L. Fain of Newville, Alabama, Valarie Fain Walker of San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Lydia D. Davenport of Huntsville, Alabama, and Dr(s). Jennifer (Keith) Thornton of Owings Mill, Maryland. He leaves four precious grandchildren: Xavier N. Fain of Franklin, Virginia, LaNeysa Walker of San Antonio, Texas, Jamelia Walker of San Antonio, Texas, and Jela Thornton of Seoul, South Korea; as well as a brother-in-law: Larry (Joyce) Guilford of Cocoa, Florida; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joe Nathan Fain, please visit our floral store.