Joe Gatlin

Joe Gatlin was born on January 16, 1939, in Bogalusa, Louisiana to LJ Gatlin and Jonny Smith. He grew up in Bogalusa, Louisiana. When he was a young adult he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Joe was a Chef by trade and spent many years working at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. In 1965, he married Margaret Harry, and that marriage lasted 55 years. Joe and his wife, Margaret were original founding members of the Metropolitan Institutional Baptist Church, now the New Birth Baptist Assembly under the leadership of his brother, Bishop Tyrone L. Seals.

Joe was a very energetic person. Not only was Joe very active in the church, but he could sing well too. One of his favorite songs was, “I Need The Lord To Guide Me”. In his pastime, Joe enjoyed fishing and sitting outside on the porch.

On Thursday, November 11, 2021, Joe departed this life to be with the Lord. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Margaret; his parents: LT Gatlin and Johnny Smith-Dillion; six brothers: Willie, Benny, James, Richard, Sherfield, and Jerry; six sisters: Cherry “Gail” Banks, Shirley Gordon, Rosa, Francis Green and Lucy.

Joe, leaves to cherish is memories his daughter, Mary Doubt, his son, Otis Tate; brother, Bishop Tyrone L. (Larnique) Seals; two sisters: Winnie Dillion and Cynthia Johnson; his uncle, Rufus Gatlin of Folsom, Louisiana; his aunts: Emma Gatlin of Tylertown, Mississippi and Anna Stewart of Phoenix, Arizona; 13 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; extended family: Charles Seals, Timmie Seals, Clementine (Earl) Fredricks; many nieces and nephews, and other relates and friends.

Joe Gatlin, you will be missed, but never forgotten for the love you had for family and friends.