Joseph Carruth

Joseph Lee Carruth was born in Forrest City, Arkansas on November 8, 1943, to the union of Arthur and Pearley Carruth. Parents’ Arthur and Pearley, his sister Pearlean, brothers Walter Lee and Arthur Lee, along with daughters Bridgett and Kimberley all preceded him in death.

Joseph met his first wife, Brenda J. Brown in 1965 and out of this union, two daughters, LaShaunda and Stephanie.  Later Joseph met and married Brenda Jackson and had one daughter, Socrotiff.  Joseph would later marry Deborah Carruth.

 After attending school in Forrest City, Joe was the first family member in addition to his sister Gladys and brother-in-law Bernell to arrive and thrive in St. Louis.

Joseph, the brother known as “Hubba-Bubba-No-Trouble", survived the St. Louis Pruitt-Igoe complex and became the first lead singer of the gospel group The Spiritual Five. Joseph confessed Christ while a member of Holy Sunrise Spiritual Church in the '60s, and was known for his signature song, “Christian Automobile”, a gospel classic.

During his later years, Joseph became a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Edmundson. Missouri and inspired many a member with his no hold bars and “I ain’t ashamed to praise Him” dance during Sunday morning worship!

Joseph was indeed an all-around music man and loved sports just as much as music. You can ask his opponents at the Handball Court in Forest Park. The brother was fearsome!

Joseph leaves to cherish, wife Deborah, daughters LaShaunda Hoffman (Clyde), Stephanie Carruth-Shines,  Socrotiff Michael, (Original), Sisters Gladys, Betty (Jesse), Ollie, and brother James Clearance (Myrna), Ten Grandchildren, Five Great-Great Grandchildren, and One Great-Great Grandchild, and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.

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