Joe Hampton France passed away May 29, 2014. Born in Sangerville, Virginia and raised in Palmyra, Fluvanna County, Joe was vitally active up until his death in the communities of Manassas, Harrisonburg and McGaheysville. After graduating from Virginia Tech, this devoted Hokie founded the civil engineering firm of Ross, France and Ratliff in Manassas. Joe served Grace United Methodist Church in many ways, including the choir, the Administrative Board and as teacher of the Progressive Sunday School Class. He was an active Rotarian as president and a Paul Harris Fellow, chaired the Manassas EDA and the Flory Small Business Center and provided leadership for the growth and development of the community. Joe also brought his considerable skills and positive attitude to the Shenandoah Valley. He loved hard work on the family farm in McGaheysville, especially on his John Deere tractor. Joe never retired and he never met a stranger, applying his good nature to consulting work in Harrisonburg, local Churches and Rotary Clubs and as a competitive but collegial golf player. Joe is survived by his loving wife Martha Anne, his daughter Leigh Anne and husband Marshall and his son John Hampton and wife Dorian. He was predeceased by his daughter Susan Randolph France Spitler. “Papa Joe” cherished the time he spent with his five grandchildren, Helen Randolph, Elizabeth Anne and Robert Marshall Ross and Haley Sampson and Jackson Hobart France. He is also survived by his sister Grace Boger and her children Carolyn and David Paul Boger. The family will receive visitors at the Baker-Post Funeral Home at 10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VA from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 1. A funeral celebrating Joe’s life will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road in Manassas, on Monday June 2 at 11 a.m. Gifts in memory of Joe can be made to Grace United Methodist Church. Please sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.com.