CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Joseph D. Bronson III passed peacefully from this life on Jan. 8, 2015, after a gradual decline in health.

Joseph was born in San Francisco to Vasteen Dow and Joseph Bronson Jr., but has resided in Clearlake for numerous years, where he lived the remainder of his life.

Joseph served in the U.S. Army and the Fayetteville Police Department located in North Carolina, in which he retired from both. Joe loved to fish, sing, write poems, cook and have a great time with friends.

Big Joe was known as “The Angel of Facebook” for his constant encouraging words, birthday wishes and his overall friendliness.

Joseph is survived by one child, Joseph D. Bronson IV; daughter-in-law, Dayza C. Bronson; his previous and only wife, Denise J. Bronson; two grandchildren, Jakhi D. Williams and Destiny E. Bronson; Godbrothers, Robert Lane and Joseph Lane Jr.; special friends, Ron and Toni Steward; six loving Godchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by both his parents and a beloved Godfather Joseph Lane.

Rest in peace “Big Joe at the Lake,” you will be greatly missed by all.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at noon on Thursday, Jan. 22, at Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel in Lower Lake.

Military Honors will be rendered by the US Army and Lake County Funeral Honors Team.

Private inurnment will be at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon at a later date.

Please share your loving memories of “Big Joe” by signing his online guestbook at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com .