Josh Laverne Linder

Josh Linder, affectionately known as “FatBoy”, was born on February 23, 1958, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Josh Linder, Jr., and the late Furnella Burney Linder. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded by his brother, Samuel Jackson, and sister, Vivian Reid. On March 26, 2024, Engineer Josh peacefully passed away at his residence with his family and friends after a prolonged illness and courageous battle with cancer.

He was educated in Duval County Public Schools and graduated in 1976 from Jean Ribault High School. In 1976-1977, Josh was awarded a football scholarship to Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Later, he transferred to the Great Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing in 1981. In 1990, he continued his educational journey and obtained a degree in Fire Science from Florida Community College in Jacksonville, Florida.

After his academic achievements, Josh embarked on a decade-long tenure with the State of Florida. Subsequently, armed with his degree in Fire Science, he obtained a position as a Firefighter and later advanced to the esteemed role of fire engineer at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, where he rendered 25 years of dedicated service before retiring.

Josh was actively involved in various social affiliations. His memberships include: the Brotherhood of Jacksonville Firefighters, the Duval/Nassau Alumni Chapter of Bethune Cookman University, and the City of Jacksonville Recreational Baseball League, where he coached little league baseball teams.

Early in life, Josh accepted Christ at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where he worshipped under the guidance of Reverend Taylor. In 2003, he and his family transitioned to Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, led initially by Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr., and later under the leadership of Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Jr.; where he remained a member until his departure.

Josh cherished his family and friends and there was nothing he would not do for them! He enjoyed grilling, fishing, and watching football. As an avid football fan, you could catch him watching his Bethune Cookman Wildcats and his Dallas Cowboys.

Josh is remembered fondly by: his devoted wife of 42 years, Gwendolyn Stafford Linder, and their son, Josh J. (Ashley) Linder; granddaughter, Egypt Denice Linder; sisters, Betty Robinson and Vanessa Solomon of Jacksonville, FL, and Judy (Wesley) Holiday of West Palm Beach, FL; brothers, Joseph Linder, Ronald Linder, Barry Linder, and Gary Linder of Jacksonville, FL; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Lawanda (Darryl) McCoy, LaTonya Stafford, and Avery Stafford of Jacksonville, FL, Karen Stafford, Anthony Stafford, and Micheal Stafford of Folkston, GA, and Willie Austin of West Palm Beach, FL; along with a multitude of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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