Joseph Charles Woltmann

Franklin - Joseph Charles Woltmann, beloved son, brother, friend – and an adored uncle – joined his Lord on August 23, 2026 at the age of 35. 

Joe was born March 26, 1991 in Franklin, VA, the youngest of the four boys of Jon and Mary Woltmann. The family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and then to Baton Rouge, LA, where Joe spent his Junior and High School years. His most recent location was Richmond, VA, where he was fortunate to be an attorney with Harvey & Driggs law firm.

Throughout his life, Joe was hard to miss. Standing at six foot four with a beautiful smile and a keen interest in life, Joe could be seen chatting happily - equally expressive with the one hand he had been born with and also the one that was missing at birth. (Or as legend tells, there may have been a shark attack… just ask the - slightly shocked and ever awestruck - nieces and nephews). 

Not withstanding that beginning, Joe Woltmann took on the world, and worked to make it a better place. 

In his high school years, Joe was an Eagle Scout, ran cross country and played his beloved soccer. His club soccer team even won a Louisiana state championship! Joe participated in church mission trips to Jamaica, Egypt and Romania, which were the start of a lifelong passion for sharing his faith. 

Joe’s college and career path followed his interest in – and appreciation for – all people. His undergraduate degree from LSU, Masters from Texas A&M, and Doctorate from Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, VA, all focused on International Affairs and Global Justice. Joe’s research paper, Full Faith and Credit for Victims of Human Trafficking, was chosen for publication by the University of San Francisco Law Review. 

Rounding out the academics and athletics was Joe’s creative side. He loved to cook, often discovering new recipes and perfecting masterpieces. His homemade cheesecake was legendary. And he had recently learned the art of the “Wall Roll,” under the tutelage of his dear friend, mentor, and honorary grandmother, Elaine Wall. 

Joe loved all his dogs, planting flowers and trees, playing cards and games, competing in disc golf, and he had in recent years discovered a real talent for golf itself. His friend Bradley Strozier said, “With one hand, Joe could ‘hands down’ beat me soundly!”

Even through the cancer Joe was rock solid in his faith, always pointing away from himself, and towards Christ. When pancreatic cancer slowed him down, he started studying and writing on the Armor of God.  

The more you abide in Christ, the more efficiently and effortlessly you can wear the armor, says Joe. The family plans to publish these hundreds of thoughtful pages – stay tuned!

Joe Woltmann is survived by his father and mother, Jon and Mary Woltmann; his older brothers, Jon (Chun), James (Dunya) and Joshua (Katy); and by his Uncle Joe Fan Club: Caleb, Ethan, Jonah, Emmy, Lea, Jesse, and baby Josie, all of whom he dearly loves. Also surviving are his beloved aunts and uncles: John and Cheryl Ritchie, Charles and Lani Woltmann, and Mark and Carol Woltmann – and all their families.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Black Creek Baptist Church in Franklin VA, on Saturday, August 29, at 11:00 a.m., with a graveside service and lunch at the church to follow.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org