Joel Barry Weldon
August 26, 1947 – March 14, 2024
Joel Barry Weldon was born in Tampa, Florida on August 26, 1947, to Roy C. Weldon and Charlsey M. Simmons Weldon. He passed away on March 14, 2024, at The Windsor of Ocala (Florida) under the care of Hospice of Marion County, completing his Alzheimer’s journey at the age of 76.
Joel grew up in Orlando, Tampa, and Clearwater, with his family relocating as his father served various churches as a pastor. He showed an early interest in music by singing in church as a child and leading a choir as a teen. Following graduation from Clearwater High School in 1965, he enrolled at St. Petersburg Junior College and then at the University of South Florida while singing and performing with bands in the Tampa Bay area.
In 1970 Joel moved to Ocala with his newly acquired Bachelor’s degree to accept a position as a music teacher with Marion County Public Schools. There followed a 35-year career with the school district as he gained instructional and leadership experience. After earning his Master’s degree from the University of Florida, he became an Assistant Principal at Dunnellon Middle School. Joel was appointed as Principal at South Ocala Elementary School in 1988 and then became the founding Principal at Greenway Elementary School in 1995, retiring in 2005.
Throughout his life Joel enjoyed singing, playing, and leading music as an expression of his deep Christian faith. He briefly served as choir director at First Christian Church of Ocala, where in 1972 he met and married his wife, Janet. In the following year, they moved to Grace Episcopal Church of Ocala, where he spent 35 years leading choirs and worship music. They made another move to Christ the King Anglican Church of Ocala in 2008, where he spent the next 12 years leading music.
Joel engaged in many community service activities over the years. He was a past President of the Kiwanis Club of Ocala and past Chair of the Advisory Board of The Salvation Army of Ocala. He enjoyed cooking for groups and catered many events for community organizations and churches. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing in the Gulf and trips to their mountain cabin in Clayton, GA.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Janice Charlotte Weldon Tanner; and an infant brother, Duane C. Weldon. He is survived by his wife, Janet; a daughter, Erin Weldon (David Castellanos) of Castro Valley, CA; and a son, Tate Weldon (Nicole Weldon) of Ocala. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Josie Weldon, Asher Weldon, Jackson Tedder, and Winry Weldon of Ocala, and Dorian Castellanos of Castro Valley, CA.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled at Christ the King Anglican Church of Ocala on Tuesday, April 2 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations: Christ the King Anglican Church (ctkaocala.org), 4440 SE 3rd Avenue, Ocala FL 34480; The Salvation Army, 2901 NE 14th Street, Ocala FL 34470; or Public Education Foundation of Marion County (pefmc.org), 1239 NW 4th Street, Ocala FL 34475.