A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF JOE DIGGS
Joe was born in 1933 in Itasca, Texas. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1951 and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Prairie View A&M University in 1955.
After which, Joe moved to Dallas where he broke through racial barriers when he was hired as a porter to the display manager at Neiman Marcus. He worked three jobs, washing windows and cleaning buildings, as he advanced in his career at Neiman Marcus. His work ethic and performance allowed Joe to advance from head porter to assistant manager of the display department and finally to shoe salesman. Joe overcame a natural shyness to become a top shoe salesman during his 22-year career at Neiman Marcus.
After which, Joe moved to Dallas where he broke through racial barriers when he was hired as a porter to the display manager at Neiman Marcus. He worked three jobs, washing windows and cleaning buildings, as he advanced in his career at Neiman Marcus. His work ethic and performance allowed Joe to advance from head porter to assistant manager of the display department and finally to shoe salesman. Joe overcame a natural shyness to become a top shoe salesman during his 22-year career at Neiman Marcus.
Joe’s talent and character were brought to the attention of Carl Sewell and Ken Batchelor by Tommy Armstrong, his friend and former colleague at Neiman Marcus. Carl and Ken visited Joe unannounced and put him to the test to witness his selling skills firsthand. It was obvious to Carl and Ken that Joe needed to join the Sewell team. They sealed the deal with the keys to a new Cadillac company car. It was an offer Stanley Marcus could not match.
Joe continued his professional success when he became a new car salesman at Sewell Village Cadillac in 1977. He sold more than 150 Cadillacs in his first year and became one of the top Cadillac salesmen in the country, selling more than 3,500 vehicles during his 23-year sales career. In the final years of his Sewell career, Joe transitioned from selling vehicles to working part-time in security.
Joe continued his professional success when he became a new car salesman at Sewell Village Cadillac in 1977. He sold more than 150 Cadillacs in his first year and became one of the top Cadillac salesmen in the country, selling more than 3,500 vehicles during his 23-year sales career. In the final years of his Sewell career, Joe transitioned from selling vehicles to working part-time in security.
Joe was a hard worker and high performer, and he had a captivating and engaging personality that raised the spirit of each person he met. His positive attitude was contagious. Joe dedicated his life to serving others and gave more than what was asked without being asked. Joe taught us many things, such as how to work together, laugh together and appreciate one another. He was a teacher, a shepherd, and a shining example for all who met him.
He genuinely cared about others and was always willing to lend a helping hand in both his personal and professional life. This was best exemplified in his service to the Dallas community. In addition to working a full-time job, Joe served his community for 39 years as an award-winning Dallas Police Department Reserve Officer.
He genuinely cared about others and was always willing to lend a helping hand in both his personal and professional life. This was best exemplified in his service to the Dallas community. In addition to working a full-time job, Joe served his community for 39 years as an award-winning Dallas Police Department Reserve Officer.
