Dr. Joel Tench

Dr. Joel Tench, age 62 of Alto, passed away on Saturday, June 06, 2009 at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Habersham County, Georgia on December 12, 1946, he was a son of the late Bryant Andrew and Velma Mathis Tench. Dr. Tench was a graduate of South Habersham High School and served our country proudly in the United States Army. He was a graduate of Piedmont College and also Logan Chiropractic College. Dr. Tench was a former owner of Chiropractic businesses in Cleveland and Commerce. For the majority of Dr. Tench's life, he was instrumental in establishing and leading a successful marketing organization and most recently in addition taught at two local private Christian Schools in Habersham County. He was a member of Compass Community Church in Athens and attended Harvest Christian Church in Clarkesville. Dr. Tench was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Lynn Slaton Tench, Alto; son and daughter-in-law, Bryant and Jennifer Tench, Clarkesville; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Jim Tench, Cornelia; grandchildren, Katherine Tench and Andrew Tench, both of Clarkesville; niece, Jenny T. Sanders, nephew, Jay Tench, both of Cornelia; numerous, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 08, 2009 at the Harvest Christian Church with Pastor Rick Cox and the Rev. Craig Bayham officiating. Dr. Tench's wishes were to be cremated. The family will receive friends at their home on Sunday and immediately following the service at the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request that all memorial donations be made to the Harvest Christian Church. Those wishing to express condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, Georgia. (706) 778-7123