Saturday, November 14, 2026
Joe graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kansas and attended the University of Kansas where he earned undergraduate and master's degrees in Chemical Engineering with high honors. He married his college sweetheart, Annabel Hungate on June 13, 1953. Soon after that, they moved to Newport, Rhode Island for Naval training. Joe completed the Officer Cadet School there and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. Joe and Annabel were then stationed at a munitions depot in Kansas City.
After his naval work, he joined the Exxon Corporation and moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His career in refining and commodity supply and trading took the Christy family to postings that included New York City and London.
He and Annabel retired to Marco Island in 1982. For several summers, they vacationed in Vail, Colorado before purchasing a summer home at Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. Their homes were always a warm and welcoming place for children, grandchildren and friends.
He enjoyed boating, reading, volunteer work and spending time with family. He did extensive volunteer work for Collier County, Marco Island. He was on the YMCA board (which raised money for the new YMCA building) and his condominium board.
Joe is survived by his spouse, Annabel, three children, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He is loved, respected and is missed by his family and friends.
