D.M. Baker Mortuary

Joe Alan Babitz was born on March 23, 1957, to Rachel and the late Nathan Babitz in Manhattan, New York. He departed this earthly life to walk with his Lord and Savior on July 29, 2021. At an early age, he was introduced to the traditions and customs of his family’s Jewish beliefs. Later in life, he accepted the saving power of Jesus Christ and remained a devout believer until his transition to his heavenly home. He was currently a faithful member of Restoration Church under the tutelage of Lead Pastor John V. Morgan and was an active member of New Life Christian Fellowship guided by Pastor Paul D. Zink Sr. for seventeen years. He received his early education through the Kings County school system in New York City, then relocated to Florida and graduated from Deland High School in 1975. He furthered his education by attending Daytona Beach Community College, where he earned a dual degree in mid-market management and business administration. “J.B.,” as he was known by his family, was an entrepreneur at heart. During the 1990s, he owned and operated a trendy eatery called “Billy’s 50s-60s Dinette.” He enjoyed a long career managing multiple business establishments throughout his employment years. Joe retired from the restaurant industry in 2015. On July 28, 1985, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Rouse, and they enjoyed thirty-six years of marital bliss. To this special union, two amazing daughters were born: Kayla Jo’el and Rachel Amaris. Anyone who knew Joe knew that his three girls were the apple of his eye.

Loving memories of Joe will be cherished forever by: his wife, Elizabeth; daughters, Kayla and Amaris; his mother and father, Rachel and the late Nathan Babitz; a fun-loving uncle, “Bobo” Sam Balter; sisters, Linda Roske (Don) and Janet Graves (Michael); his one and only paternal nephew, Austin Graves - all of Deland, Florida; uncle, Eddie Weinstein and the late Helen; cousins, Joan and Anne Weinstein - all of Brooklyn, New York; cousins, Alan Babitz (Esperanza), Cathy Cannata (Charlie), and Lisa Piecora - of New York and Florida; mother-in-law, Lillian and the late Herbert C. Rouse; sisters-in-law, Josephine Holmes (Glen), Constance Tillman (Andrew), Demetris Smith (George), and Betty Jenkins; brothers-in-law, Herbert Rouse, Jr., Pervis Rouse, and Reverend Norris Rouse - all of Augusta, Georgia; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins of the Rouse family. Joe also planted seeds of Christian guidance by mentoring many young people during his lifetime, including his godsons, Damon Baker and Brad Schwarzbauer; goddaughters, April Brown Thomas, Nepresha Nash, Michelle Goodman (Silva), and so many others. He also cultivated lifelong friendships with Ken Neikirk, Joe “Neighbor” Shearer, Don Norris, and his Men’s Group, Adam Marcum, James Molinaro, Martin Schramm, and the late Jeff Shee. He will be remembered by a multitude of church families, co-workers, friends, neighbors, and so many loved ones. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7