Joseph J. Redden

Lt. General Joseph J. Redden, a distinguished officer and a respected figure in the

United States Air Force, passed away at the age of 81 on March 21, 2024. He was born on February 16, 1943, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and grew up in a military family. He followed in his father’s footsteps and dedicated his life to serving his country with honor and distinction.

General Redden’s illustrious career of 35 years began when he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1964. He attended pilot training at Craig Air Force Base (Alabama) and over his military career logged more than 4,900 flying hours in several types of aircraft, including 607 combat missions, and 1,323 combat hours. His service took him to various parts of the world from flying the O-2A and A-37 in Vietnam, the C-130 at Stewart Air Force Base in Tennessee, to the “A-10 Warthog” at the 356th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in South Carolina. His contributions to the Air Force and his country were recognized with 15 major awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Service Star and two Bronze Service Stars. He held numerous positions of leadership and responsibility throughout his career, including the Commandant of Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Commander of the Joint Warfighting Center at Fort Monroe, Virginia, and lastly the President of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

General Redden retired on July 1, 1999, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, courage and dedication to his country. Following his passion for education, Redden settled in Marietta, Georgia to serve as the Superintendent of Cobb County Schools for five years until eventually moving to Canton, Georgia.

Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shirley Woodruff Redden, his daughter Ashlee Waters, her husband Joseph Waters, their daughter Kennedee Waters, his son Brett Redden, his wife Amy Redden, and their two daughters Zoey and Maggie Redden.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to their favorite charity in Lt. General Joseph Redden’s name.

There are no planned memorial services at this time.

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com