(our friend, Dale, wrote this about Joel. I wanted to archive it here)
A few years ago I was downhearted as to the state of the younger generation. I saw little hope for them. That was before I met Joel (ReelSkinnyJr) he restored my hope.
When I met him he was 15 years old. He had hopes and dreams of being a pilot and was very industrious with taking up the hobby of blacksmithing among other interest. There was no limiting this kid if he put his mind to anything.
I was fortunate enough to go fishing with he and his dad a number of times and found the kid to be a "Yes, Sir" "No, Sir" kind of kid. Always a thoughtful very respectful young man and very bright. He loved time on the water and especially time with his dad. He was a wonderful son and brother as I saw. He seemed to always have the hot hand fishing and was not shy to share the specific color of lure he was using to assist anyone to catch a fish. Obviously I would toss the same lure where he would and he would always be the one to hook up (for those of you that I have fished with you should not be surprised with that 
). I was with him when he caught his first salt water fish on his fly gear. Whenever he would hook up he always did the Henry Waszczuk "WOOOO HOOOO HOOOO" and would just laugh. Yep, He always out fished us all.
Last year his birthday fell on the night of one of the gatherings at the Channelside Hooters. When I found out it was his birthday I got him what I thought to be more than enough wings. They were devoured 
growing boys!
His posts on the forum were always witty and intelligent and were helpful.
He was always an A/B student and was set to graduate from Lakeland High School in just a couple of weeks. He was already out in the workplace and just beginning to discover the world and about to make a greater mark on this world, never having a poor word to say of anyone.
Joel lost his life last Friday in a traffic mishap. Fortunately there was no drugs or alcohol involved (which has taken so many before their time) as he was kind of a Spartan, like a Ninja who never smoked or would not have anything as strong as a tea or a Coke or Mountain Dew. His focus was to maximize his body and mind. He could run like the wind and did his crunches until you could just about wash clothes on those abs.
He was just a great kid taken from all of us before his time. He will always be missed.
His dad, ReelSkinny wanted me to post something letting his forum friends know what had happened and also to thank so many of you that were so kind and helpful to Joel.
A visitation has been planned for this
Wednesday May 20th from 6:00 until 8:00 at the
Casket Store which is at
2090 East Edgewood Drive
Lakeland, FL 33803
863-669-1617
I realize that this is a haul for some of you but if you wanted to attend ReelSkinny wanted me to post this here so you could make plans to do so. I am certain that is some of you were able to attend it would be of invaluable worth to the family and would be eternially appreciated.
It is about an hours drive from most anywhere in Tampa for those of you not familiar with this part of the state.
http://www.casketstore.net/directions.htm
Joel gave me hope for the future, was a wonderful fishing buddy and a wonderful young man. He will be missed everyday by his mother, father , brother and extended family and friends.
love them while they are here
