He is survived by his wife, Susan McClain Musick; sons, Joe R. Musick (Bonnie), Jim Musick (Amy), Paul Musick (Robin); daughter, Jamie Musick Blackmon (Joe); and brothers, David Andrew Rounsavall and Freddie Rounsavall. He and Susan were blessed by twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Joe was born in a three room house on a farm in Mississippi County. He remembered when his room was added to the small house. There were cracks between the boards that would allow snow and cold air to come in. He was gifted with a great intellect and graduated from Shawnee High School where he held the highest FFA honor in the state. Although he enjoyed farming, he soon realized that he could not support a family on that farm. He pursued an education at Arkansas A&M (UAM) and then his Masters at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Years later with four kids and a wife to support, he completed his PHD at the University of Missouri. He often said that his education along with the support from professors along the way certainly contributed to his success.
In 1980, Joe joined the faculty in the Agricultural Economics department at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. In 1983, he moved his family to Leland, Mississippi, where he did research at the Stoneville Research Station. Two years later, he was asked to come back to Louisiana to head the LSU Rice Research Station where he led the research and enjoyed the Cajun music. Joe retired in August of 2003.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Monticello with Rev. Dennis Spence officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main, Monticello, AR 71655. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(16)
Cynthia "Cindy" McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Saturday, March 11, 2017 Cousins Susan, "LittleJoe", Jim, Paul, Jamie & families,I want you to know if you didn't receive any media posts or other ways I tried to get messages to you, y'all have been in my prayers & thoughts since Dr. Joed died . I hope to see some or more of you @ another time as my travels did not allow me to be w/you @ visitation or funeral. Love y'all & believers we know it's not easy without them in our midst, but oh glorious day we'll see them again in Heaven. Love, Cousin Cindy
Neil Melancon
Baton Rouge, LA Wednesday, March 8, 2017 On behalf of the Louisiana Farm Bureau, I'd like to express my condolences to the family of Dr. Musick. He was always so helpful to us. Joe always gave us his time when we needed it and it was such a pleasure working with him over the years.Johnny Saichuk
Lafayette, LA Saturday, March 4, 2017 Dear Mrs. Musick,I was saddened to hear of the death of Joe whom I always considered a friend. When I joined Extension I was told I would not get along with him. Nothing was further from the truth. He welcomed me and we got along great. My wife Susette said the same thing, that he always made her feel welcome. Johnny Saichuk
Jeannette Bennett
Joiner, AR Friday, March 3, 2017 Jim,I am so sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking of you and your family in this difficult time and extend our deepest sympathy.
Joye Stephenson
Crossett, AR Thursday, March 2, 2017 Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family.. Love, JoyeWayne M. Gauthier
Baton Rouge, LA Thursday, March 2, 2017 Susan: You and all members of the immediate and extended families have my sympathy. He was my friend and fellow faculty member in the Department of Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness. He helped and supported me both personally and professionally. He may be gone but he's not forgotten. May God's peace be with you, the children and all loved ones.Marijo Miles
Springfield, MO Wednesday, March 1, 2017 So very sorry to hear about the recent death of Joe. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayersJanice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Susan & family,I am sorry to read about Joe's death. He was a friend to all and touched so many lives. May God give you peace and comfort.
With love & sympathy,
Janice
Lalit Verma
Fayetteville, AR Wednesday, March 1, 2017 It was my good fortune to have worked with Joe in Louisiana for over 10 years. He was a professional, collegial, helpful and supportive colleague. He made valuable contributions to the rice industry and will be sorely missed. We lost a good human being and friend.Deepest condolences to the Musick family.
Pat & Patricia Bollich
Baton Rouge, LA Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Susan and family,We were so sorry to hear about Dr. Musick's passing. He was a great friend to both of us. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Tammy Heil
Zachary, LA Wednesday, March 1, 2017 I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Musick for several years at the LSU AgCenter and I always enjoyed talking with him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Debbie & Jerry Zouzas
Fort Smith, AR Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Susan and family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Joe. We are praying for peace at this most difficult time.Charles and Neely Blackmon
Clinton, SC Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. It's always hard to be separated from a loved one. May God watch over you and your family and offer you the comfort of his presence.John Sonnier
Rayne, LA Tuesday, February 28, 2017 You all are in our prayers. Think of you all the time. Sorry for not staying in touch. Miss you all. He was a great man.GLENDA DOSS
HAMBURG, AR Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Susan I am very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I didn't know him, but knowing you makes me sad for you. Would love to see you.Butch and Judy Selig
Benton, AR Monday, February 27, 2017 Susan and family,Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are so sorry for the loss of Joe, and we know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
With sincere sympathy,
Butch and Judy