Joel E. Wakeland Sr., 75, of McComb, Miss., who passed away September 27, 2013 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Wakeland was born June 16, 1938 in Hattiesburg, Miss., to the late James Gordon Wakeland and Ella Rhodes Wakeland.

He was retired from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), having worked at the Johnson Space Center, the John Glenn Space Center, and the Stennis Space Center. He was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. Mr. Wakeland loved God, his family and his church. He was a Christian and a faithful member of Navilla Baptist Church. He loved the Bible and served faithfully for many years as a Deacon, Bible study teacher, and prayer ministry coordinator. Mr. Wakeland loved his family and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also had a passion for cars. He always said “He never met a car he didn’t like.”

He was preceded in death by: his parents. Survivors include: his wife, Sandra Wakeland; a daughter, Lyndra Romack and her husband the Rev. Larry Romack of McComb; one son, Joel E. Wakeland II of Ponchatoula, La.; and six grandchildren: Joshua, Allison, Rebekah, Matthew, Michael and Christopher Romack.

Services for Mr. Wakeland were held at Navilla Baptist Church, Monday, September 30, 2013 at 11 a.m. Visitation was held from 9 a.m. until time of services. The Rev. Larry Romack officiated at the service.

The family request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Navilla Baptist Church 3130 Old Hwy. 24 McComb, MS 39648.

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