With less than a month to vacate their home in Macon, GA, push came to shove for Joe and his wife to find a house in the area. In the end, Joe said Regatta Bay chose them. Downsizing was the goal, but the house they found didn’t thrill his wife, Peg. “She gave me that look and said she could make it work if I’d agree she could do anything she wanted to it. Of course, I said yes. What I didn’t know was the contract was always open,” Joe shared. “Turned out, it became her favorite home — and mine.”

 

Originally from Birmingham, AL, Joe and Peg launched a Stanley Steemer franchise in Macon in 1984, which they operated for 41 years. They fell in love with Destin during vacations on Holiday Isle. One day, as they were leaving, Peg simply asked, “Why can’t we just live here?” So, in 2002, that’s what they did. “There’s not much not to like — maybe Highway 98,” Joe joked. “There’s golf, the beach, concerts, great restaurants, boating, tennis, fishing… and did I mention the beach?”

 

Joe and Peg attended the same high school — he played every sport; she was a cheerleader. They went their separate ways after graduation but reconnected when Joe stumbled across her number in the phone book. “I begged her to go out until she caved,” Joe recalls. “We danced all night and got her home at 2:30 in the morning. That was December. We were married in May.” Not long after, Peg became pregnant and “she had gotten huge.” Turns out, TWO babies were growing in there! Kendell works from home in Statham, Georgia. Cortney and her husband Ryan, live in Kelly  and are the owners of Eiland and Rice Interior Design and ASP Pools and Spa, respectively. 

 

Peg and Joe’s romance had drama worthy of a movie. “Peg was dating two guys, a Marine pilot and a successful businessman, and they didn’t make it easy on me,” Joe recalled. The pilot flew in with an engagement ring and the wealthy businessman made an offer of a house and a Mercedes to win Peg over. But she only had eyes for Joe. The couple celebrated their 51st and last anniversary on May 25, 2024. Sadly, Peg lost her battle with cancer last August.

 

In the past, Peg would say if a ball was involved, so was Joe. Covid ended his tennis playing so he took up golf, though he’s the first to admit he’s not chasing any pro tour dreams. “My golf mates at Regatta will tell you what I do on the golf course isn’t golf,” Joe said with mock offense. “I’m terrible, but I enjoy the guys I play with. I’m a walking, talking distraction — makes them appreciate me when I’m not there.”

 

These days, Joe keeps things simple—spending time with friends, playing (or at least attempting) golf, and keeping everyone entertained with his quick wit, well-timed humor, and amusing stories from life.