Joel Sarrett

This obituary was lovingly prepared by the family.

Joel Sarrett was born in Atlanta, GA on June 7, 1949 to Chris and Carl Sarrett.  He went to MacArthur High School in Hollywood, FL, which just happened to be the rival school of South Broward where Donna Meade went to high school.  While in high school, Joel and his father traveled all over the state attending track meets where he pole vaulted to jump to a World Record for a High School in his junior year.  Joel’s father spent hours and all his weekends raising his two sons and putting their priorities first.  His father’s behavior made a huge impression on Joel and was a model for the father he was to become.   

While at University of Florida, on a track scholarship, he met Donna Meade in their senior year. They married the week after Donna graduated from UF.  Both 22 years old, they moved to Atlanta where Joel worked at Carter & Associates, a Real Estate Firm, as Communications Director.  Seven years later Erin Lorraine was born in 1978.  Soon thereafter, Joel accepted a job with Paul Broadhead, another Real Estate Firm, in Meridian, Mississippi where they moved and Jennifer Christine was born in 1980.  Years later after moving back to Atlanta, Georgia along came Carter Carlisle in 1987.  

The next year, Joel started his own graphic design and advertising agency called Sarrett Creative. This proved to be a highly successful agency that had continuous growth until Joel retired in 2006. Sarrett Creative’s small, family-like team served clients from across the country.

Joel was an exemplary father, he coached just about every sport each of our children participated in - baseball, softball, basketball, roller hockey and was sure he was at every game or swim meet.  He expected good grades, behavior and manners from each child and they were afraid to disappoint him.  He never raised his voice and was always the person the children went to when they needed advice.  He was a wonderful husband to Donna, always remembering every anniversary, birthday, or special occasion with yellow roses.  When the family went on trips one of his main priorities was where were we going to eat and to never eat at a chain restaurant.  

As the kids grew into adulthood, Joel continued to be a supportive father, always ready with insightful advice or a great story. Erin came to work with him at Sarrett Creative after college, got married, and had two wonderful daughters, Annabelle & McKenzie. She now lives in Brunswick, GA with her girls and husband, Scott. Jennifer went on to get her PhD and Joel was her primary cheerleader and dissertation editor. She later got married to Kris Krava and became stepmom to his two amazing kids, Lily & Fynn. Carter shared Joel’s love of the Florida Gators and they shared many games together. Carter met his wife Tara at college and they had two great kids, Hampton & Charlotte. 

Joel was a dedicated and doting grandfather. He loved teaching his grandkids to fish, play guitar, and draw and doing what he can to make them laugh and feel loved, as he did with Erin, Jennifer, and Carter. Joel was a true family man and will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Mr. Joel Sarrett, age 75, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024.  A memorial service will be held at 11 o’clock Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Chapel of J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home with Chaplin Michael Woodward officiating. The family will gather with friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM prior to the service on Saturday.  Inurnment will be private. 

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