Joesph (Joe) Cassell of Hoover, AL passed away on January 14, 2020. Joe was known for his generous nature, ability to make friends with anyone, incredibly sharp wit, and unforgettable laugh. He was born on June 15, 1945, to his loving parents Ann & Burns Cassell and grew up living in Birmingham, AL. Joe served in the Air Force and served as an Air Force Staff Sergeant in Turkey. He graduated from St. Emma Military Academy and attended UAB. Joe then worked for the Federal Government for 35 years starting as an Air Traffic Controller and then was eventually  promoted to Special Assistant to the Chief Information Officer for the Department of Transportation.  After retiring, Joe moved back to Alabama. There he donated his time to many charitable causes such as the Birmingham Optimist Club, Meals on Wheels and a Prison Outreach program.  Joe was also a cigar aficionado and often enjoyed spending time conversing with his friends at Cigars and More on 280. His many friends and family will miss his intelligent conversations, clever jokes, and sports and political repartee.  He is survived by his loving partner of 9 years, Beulah; cousins Adrienne, Lisa, Tommy, and Wilma.  He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held at Smith & Gaston Funeral Home( 102 6th Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211) from 6 - 7 pm on January 27, 2020. A Funeral mass will be held at 11 am on Jan 28, 2020, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church (708 1st St S, Birmingham, AL 35205.) followed by interment at Alabama National Cemetery (3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL 35115) Condolences may be made online at http://www. smithandgastonfuneralhome.com/ . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Birmingham Optimist Club, Meals on Wheels or the American Diabetes Association.