Obituaries
Joseph "My Mechanic Joe" Robert, Former BOC Candidate, Passes Away
Robert was one of three candidates who ran for the Cherokee County Commission District 4 seat in the May 20 Republican primary.
The Woodstock business man who made a run for the Cherokee County District 4 Commission seat earlier this year has passed away.
Joseph Robert, who was affectionately known by locals as My Mechanic Joe, died early Thursday morning at his home in Woodstock.
Robert, 52, suffered from myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that attacks the body's voluntary muscles, said son John Robert.
Robert said his father woke up around 8:15 a.m. Thursday, rolled over to turn off his alarm clock and "never woke back up."
"We are very taken aback by the sudden loss of a great man," Robert added.
Robert did not garner enough votes in the May 20 Republican primary to advance to the July 22 runoff. However, his son said Robert endorsed candidate Larry Singleton in the runoff and had been helping him with his campaign.
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He also said his father had done an "amazing job" with running his business, also called My Mechanic Joe, on Industrial Drive in Woodstock. That business, he added, has been serving residents in Cherokee County for nearly 20 years.
Robert said the family this afternoon will be meeting with representatives at Woodstock Funeral Home to go over possible funeral arrangements.
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"He was all around amazing guy and I can’t believe he is gone," he added.
Social media on Thursday was filled with Cherokee County residents expressing their shock and sadness upon hearing the news of Robert's passing.
Cherokee County Republican Party Chair Rick Davies called Robert a "stalwart" within the county party. Robert as the party's Post 4 area precinct manager.
"Above all of that Joe was a gentleman and a friend to all," he added. "You would always know when Joe was in the house as he never needed a microphone to make sure he was heard and he would always greet you with a hearty handshake and a sincere smile on his face. My condolences go out to his family, especially his wife Maggie, his son John and daughter Lisa."
Jackie Archer, who ran for the Cherokee County Commission chair, said she had the honor of getting to know Robert and his passion for the community, including his efforts to help transform Hobgood Park from a dream into a reality.
"Joe also shared his love for his country and that he served in the military for several years," she stated. "He was proud to have served protecting our liberties and freedoms."
Robert said his father served in the United States Army and worked as a mechanic.
He moved his family to Cherokee County in 1985, and he opened his small business in 1996. Robert added his father, who had just celebrated his wedding anniversary with wife Margaret in February, was all about promoting and patronizing small businesses.Robert stated he and his family have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from the community. He noted both Davies, as well as U.S. congressional candidate Barry Loudermilk had become close friends of his father.
"Hopefully we can continue to serve the community as Joe did and continue to be an outstanding member of the local business community," he added,
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