Obituary of Joe D Diggs

Obituary of Joe Diggs Joe D. Diggs was born on July 20, 1933 in Itasca, TX to the late Eural (Jack) and Grace Diggs. Joe graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1951. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, TX.-1955. He confessed Christ at an early age as a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Itasca. Joe was a faithful member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Senior Usher for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 45 years–Pheebia Diggs, his son–Nicholas Diggs and step father–Fred Morris. Joe moved to Dallas in 1955 and was hired as the first black porter to the display manager at Neiman Marcus. He was eventually promoted to be the first black shoe salesman at Neiman Marcus in the “60’s”. For several months, he couldn’t even sell shoes. He would stay in the stockroom re-shelving shoes so he didn’t have to face real customers. He said, “I couldn’t carry on a conversation… I have an education, but I’m from the country and shy.” One day, Joe’s boss ordered him out of the stockroom so he could confront his first customer, “Mr. Stanley Marcus.” That move built his confidence, eliminated his shyness, and started his ability to have a conversation that never stopped. After 22 years as the top salesman for Neiman Marcus, Joe left the security of Neiman’s to become the first black new-car salesman at Sewell Village Cadillac in 1977. Joe sold more than 150 Cadillacs each year for Sewell Village Cadillac for over 23 years and was considered one of the top salesmen in the country. During his tenure at Sewell Village, Joe developed a bond with Jerry Griffin (General Manager) wherein Jerry referred to Joe as “Dad” and Joe referred to Jerry as “Son”. While still working his full time job, Joe served 39 years as a reserve Dallas Police Officer. And during his time as a reserve Dallas Police Officer he gained a true brother, “Ben Danley”. The way “Joe” lived his life was an example of how we should all live. Through his life, he modeled what it means to love and be a blessing to others. He dedicated his life to serving others and was always willing to share or lend a helping hand. Joe D. Diggs is survived by his daughter-in-law, Cynthia Diggs; two grandchildren– Corion and Natassia Diggs; four adopted grandchildren–Sydney, Drake, Shelby and Chase Thomas; a very special and devoted friend who was always by his side at all times, Gracie Thomas; cousins–Billie Davis and Gail Stephens of Dallas, TX; Maryland (Johnnie) Bolds of Waco, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.