In Memoriam: Joe Casey (SPBL)

 Joe Casey (1926-2022)

Casey is the last confirmed survivor of the old Southern Professional Basketball League which ran two seasons from 1947-1949.

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Retired Chief Joe D. Casey of MNPD passed away July 31, 2022 on his 96th birthday. Born July 31, 1926 in Cheatham County, TN. Preceded in death by his wife, Jewell; his parents Charley and Ethel Casey; daughters, Lynn Casey and Minka Perry, granddaughter, Kelly Jo Herrman, sisters, Imogene Noe, Mary Elizabeth Womack, brothers Owen and Charles Casey. Survived by his children Starr Herrman, son in law J.R. Perry, Karen (David) Torr and Mike (Teresa) Casey; grandchildren Brent (Kim) Dorris, Amy (Matt) Reagan, Jimmy (Donna) Torr, Casey (Anne) Torr, Michelle Casey; ten great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graduate of North High School. Participated in all sports. All City in Baseball and basketball. Played 5 years of professional baseball in the Boston Braves farm system. Played two years of professional basketball for the Nashville Vols in the Southern League. Worked one year for Dupont. Officiated high school and college basketball for over 23 years. 1951 employed by Nashville Police Department. He rose through the ranks and was Chief of Police 1973-1989. Charter member and lifetime member of 100 club. Helped start Crime Stoppers. Started MNPD Christmas basket program for needy. Instrumental in starting Police Advocacy Support Services (PASS). Assigned first female officers to patrol and motorcycle traffic squad. Promoted first African American to rank of Assistant Chief. Enacted the process of getting the MNPD accredited. He used modern technology and hands on skills to elevate the MNPD to one of the best in the 20th Century. Served 7 years as President of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. As President, was instrumental in getting several laws passed to enhance law enforcement in the state of Tennessee, including mandatory training for all law enforcement officers and the Post Commission and supplemental pay for in service training. Lifetime member of Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. TACP honored him by naming two awards for him. In 1987, elected president of International Association of Chiefs of Police. Lifetime member of IACP. He loved all sports. Officiated Russian girls vs. Nashville Business College and the first black-white basketball game in TN high school sports. Coached Nashville police department Babe Ruth Team. A charter member of Babe Ruth League in Nashville. In 1959, coached Babe Ruth All Star team to compete for national title. Avid golfer with 4 holes in one. Inducted into 5 Halls of Fame. Incredible ice cream and chocolate fudge maker. On October 2, 2012, Metro Council passed Resolution naming the new West Police Precinct the Chief Joe D. Casey Building. Dedication was May 16, 2013. September 1,1989 he was employed by Tennessee Wholesale Drug Company as Director of Personnel and Security. Promoted to Vice President in 1990. Chief Joe wore many hats and he tried hard to wear them to the best of his ability. He loved his family, friends, co-workers, city of Nashville, TACP, IACP, his church his Encouragers Sunday School class and most of all his Lord Jesus Christ. He wants to thank the people of Nashville and members of the MNPD for their help and support fighting crime. He said, "With your help, we made a difference." His belief was to treat everyone as you would want them to treat you if your roles were reversed. As a born again Christian, he has joined his wife, Jewell, along with other family members and friends in Heaven with his Heavenly Father.

Pallbearers: Brent Dorris, Jimmy Torr, Casey Torr, Tim Casey, Bill Noe, George Womack, Mark Anderton, Kevin Anderton

Honorary Pallbearers: Members and retirees of MNPD, TACP, IACP, 100 Club Board members, Old Timers Baseball Association Board of Directors, Boy Scouts Middle TN Council, Metro Council members active and retired, other Metro Officials and Judges, members of Encouragers Sunday School class, members of Police Babe Ruth baseball teams, Haymes Snedeker, Brandt Snedeker, Howard Runyon.

Visitation will be at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home Thursday, August 11th from 12-2pm and 4-8pm, and Friday, August 12th from 4-8pm. Funeral services will be conducted at Parkway Baptist Church, 505 Cunniff Parkway, Goodlettsville, TN 37072, Saturday, August 13th at 12noon with visitation 2 hours prior. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Those desiring may make memorials to Parkway Baptist Church, RSD Foundation, MNPD Christmas Basket Program, Special Olympics

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, caregivers and Alive Hospice for their care and compassion. Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, 2707 Gallatin Pk. 615-262-3312.

Published by Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home - Nashville Chapel from Aug. 2 to Aug. 8, 2022.