Cecil âJoeâ Dailey was born on July 3, 1938 to Gardy Witt Dailey (deceased) and Mattie Mae Lacy (deceased) in Chillicothe, Texas. He spent his early childhood in Oklahoma and Texas before moving to California. He grew up in Hanford, California and later joined the United States Navy and served honorably in the Korean War. Joe joined the Navy at a young age and was a decorated naval trumpeter, the only Black, first row, first chair in his unit. After his military service, he went on to have a successful career as a Sheet Metal Pipefitter/Mechanic working for the Railroad for more than 35 years, while also earning a Bachelorâs degree in Public Administration from Sacramento State University and an Associateâs degree in Business/Real Estate. He later worked for, and retired from, the Veteranâs Administration where he was recognized as Employee of the Month. Joe believed in doing your best and had strong work ethic.