U.S. Veteran Served 11 Years as Georgia State Defense Force Commanding General

Compiled by Pvt. Emma B. Foley

Brig. Gen. Joel Wylie Seymour (retired) passed away at age 85, Dec. 7, 2023, at Wellstar Medical College of Georgia Health in Augusta, Ga.

GSDF Service

Brig. Gen. Seymour served 11 years as the Commanding General of the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF), from Oct. 23, 1994, to Nov. 4, 2005. The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.

Georgia National Guard Service

As a young adult, he joined the National Guard. He attended Field Artillery School in Ft. Sill, Okla. and the Command and General Staff College in various U.S. Army locations. He was a graduate of Artillery School, Army War College, Nuclear Weapon Employment School, and Field Artillery Commander’s Course. His 39 years of service with the Georgia Army National Guard included a position as Commander of the 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Regiment.

Military Recognitions

Brig. Gen. Seymour received numerous military honors and awards, including The Legion of Merit Award, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the James E. Oglethorpe Award. He was a life member of both the American Legion and the Elks Organization.

Civic/Community Engagement

Joel served his community in many areas, including 12 years as a member of the Elberton City Council. He also served as member and former chair of the Elbert County Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Elberton.

For more, go to: https://www.onlineathens.com/obituaries/pgsc0650861