Joe Louis Boss, III

Joe is someone who would describe his beginnings as humble. He was born in Hattiesburg, MS on March 24, 1953 to Willena and Willy Joe Boss. He would often recount stories of sharecropping there with his grandfather, Fred. As a young, country boy, Joe and his brothers would amuse themselves in the summer by tying string to junebugs and 'racing them'. Moving to California was a lifelong dream for Joe. In fact he often remarked that the birthmark on the top of his head was shaped like California-and it was! In 1964 he moved to Watts, CA to join his mother and brothers Vernell, Donell, and Dave. Joe and his brothers quickly made names for themselves as the kind of brothers that liked to have a good time, but looked out for one another-they're moves on the dance floor and the basketball court made them popular and well-liked throughout high school and college. After graduating from Centennial High School in 1971 Joe attended Cal State Northridge. He earned his B.A. degree which launched his decades long career in Education. All while marrying his college sweetheart, Gwendolyn in 1972, and welcoming the birth of his first son, Hashim. Joe would go on to have three more children: Nathifa (Tifa), Yahzid (Zid), and Schaffen. Joe and Gwen's joy doubled as their grandchildren came into the world. They both enjoyed spending time with, and spoiling, their five grandsons (Tyler, Xavier, Kai, Emory, and Dante). Joe and Gwen were married 43 years, and it was only by death did they part, as Gwendolyn passed from this earthly realm in 2015. In addition to his family, Joe's greatest passion was teaching and education. He worked for LAUSD for over 18 years including a decade spent pioneering a GATE program at Northridge Junior High. Once relocating from LA to Visalia, Joe switched gears and began working with student populations that needed extra support and guidance. In this, he excelled. He worked at MidCounty Community School for over 20 years, before transitioning to the Juvenal Hall. He was really proud of the work he was able to accomplish there; which included helping students earn their HS diplomas as well as building a school library. He was actively doing what he loved, until his very last day. Joe passed away quietly at home on June 3rd. He is preceded in death by his wife Gwendolyn Onte Dillon, his son Yahzid Boss, his mother Willena Boss, his brothers Donell, Harry, Vernell, and his sister Linda. He is survived by his three children (Hashim, Tifa, and Schaffen), his grandchildren (Tyler, Xavier, Kai, Emory, and Dante), his siblings (Rita, Lisa, Dave, Joy, Shamina, Ariel, Michael), his loving part-time pup (Kona); and a host of friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances who will fondly remember our time knowing Joe Boss Celebration Of Life services will be held 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Saturday, July 11th, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Joe Louis Boss, III

March 24, 1953 - June 3, 2026