Joseph Lise, 87, passed on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in Phenix City, AL.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m.EST on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Antioch Baptist Church in Pittsview, AL with Rev. Robert Toney, pastor, officiating and Rev. Ko'Derris Cowan, eulogist. Burial to follow in the church cemetery. Public vistitation will be held Friday, February 14, 2025 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. EST.

Joseph Lee Lias (Lise), 87, of Phenix City, AL was born on July 24, 1937 to the late Mitchell Lias, Sr. and Annie Lee Edmond Lias. He was affectionately known as Shorty, Joe Lewis, and Joe. Joe was raised in Russell County, AL and attended Glenville High School. He was baptized at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church at an early age.

In 1960, Joe relocated to Ft. Myers, FL where he began his career at Yoder Brothers. His natural leadership skills elevated and advanced him quickly within the organization. While working at Yoder Brothers, he met the love of his life, Nina Mae Jackson. They fell in love and were married in 1962. Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman. His passion however was singing. He sang in a family quartet for many years where they performed throughout the Ft. Myers area.

In 1969, Joe relocated his family to Rochester, NY where he began his career at Genessee Brewery, becoming the first black supervisor. After raising his children in Rochester, he retired from Genesee Brewery in 1983. He and Nina moved to Ft. Myers after retirement and he rejoined Yoder Brothers and continued to be awarded for his dedication, service, and extraordinary leadership.

Joe was an active member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board. He continued to be an exemplary member of the Ft. Myers community until he returned home to Alabama in 2019. Joe rejoined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and served their Deacon Board until his passing on February 4, 2025.

Joe was the strong patriarch of the Lias family whose wisdom touched many lives. He was also a Master Mason in the Blue House. Joe was pre-deceased in death by his parents, Mitchell Lias, Sr. and Annie Lee Lias; his siblings, Franklin D. Lias, Rev. Eddie "LC" Lias, Sarah Lee Lias, Annie Mae "Moot" Person, Austin "Babe" Lias, Mitchell "Tightman" Lias, Jr., and Annie Lee “Tutta” Jackson.

Joseph leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Nina Mae Lise of Phenix City, AL; children, Joseph (Sharon) Lias, Jr., Sanford, FL, Mayola Chester, Rochester, NY, Dorothy Alfred, Hampton, GA, Brenda Robinson, Ft. Mitchell, AL, Coletha (Manuel) Davis, Rutherford, AL, Wanda Lise, Rochester, NY, Sherri Lise, Fairburn, GA and Sharon Lise, Covington, GA; sister, Lillie Pearl "Nute" (Willie) Tarver of Buffalo, NY, and brother, Willie "Hook" Lias of St. Petersburgh, FL; 23 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.