Joseph Owen Mann

Joseph Owen Mann was born on Sunday, December 18, 1977, at Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta. He was named for his beloved grandfathers, Owen A. Atkinson of Hartwell, GA. and Joseph Thomas of Chattanooga, TN.

Joseph grew up in Blue Ridge, Georgia, graduating from Fannin High, where he was a wrestler and a proud member of the marching band, playing tuba and trumpet. He was an active member of McCaysville First Baptist Youth programs. He could always be found volunteering in community activities such as cleaning up homes in McCaysville after the flood, one on one elderly visits, Toccoa River and roads clean up Saturdays, and the local American Heart and Georgia Cancer Society activities.

Joseph was a talented musician who never met a note he did not like. He was often writing songs he called "Notes that don't clash." After high school Joseph attended Reinhardt and Georgia Tech, moving back to Blue Ridge to work with his father in the Georgia Prime Real Estate office. Joseph opened a web design company, Freedom Arts, where he designed and hosted the Georgia Prime Real Estate Website. Joseph also worked in construction where he particularly enjoyed finishing carpentry work.

Joseph and his family moved to Savannah in 2001 and while he loved the lakes and mountains he loved the coastal areas as well. Joseph continued to play piano and loved his restored 1914 upright Steinway piano. Living in Savannah, he transformed his yard into a garden of flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables. He often brought flowers to his mother when coming home to Blue Ridge. Joseph was a caring Uncle who could always be counted on for the gift of his time for fishing and exploring.

Joseph, married 19 years, is a dedicated husband to his loving wife, Jennifer Swartzell Mann. They have five children, Noah, Faith, Erin, Owen, Lyric, and one grandchild, Oliver. Joseph's mother is Kathy Atkinson Mann and his brother is Will Mann of Blue Ridge. A large extended family and friends deeply love Joseph. He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Owen Alfred and Pat Atkinson and Earl and Betty Mann, and by his father, Frederick "Darrell" Mann.

Joseph was an organ donor. His life continues to bless, save, and improve the lives of many with his gift of life. Organ donation is a genuine act of love, and these families remain in our prayers.

A celebration of life will be planned later with Reverend Denise Caldwell, his long-time pastor and friend, and his Aunt, Reverend Robin Atkinson Parr. Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joseph Owen Mann; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.