Joe Michael Shaw, Sr.

Joe Michael Shaw, Sr. was born March 14, 1950, to Marie Shaw Cagle and she was assisted by her parents, O.L. Shaw and Christie Bell, who also helped raise Joe from infancy. With no siblings, Joe received all the attention and love a child could receive. As a youngster growing up at a time when rock'n'roll was king, Joe developed a lifelong love of live music. Throughout his life, Joe took in as many live shows as he could view once seeing Jimi Hendrix live in New Orleans.

However, as much as he loved music, football became the passion of Joe's life. Joe starred on the gridiron for the Pass Christian Pirates and ran track and field in the spring. He was also a member of the chess club at Pass High. Upon graduation in 1967, Joe attended Perkinston Junior College and graduated in 1969. From there, Joe took his talents to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.

When Joe started at USM, he was intent on studying accounting; however, he was introduced to the late USM faculty member J. Larry Ladner who changed the direction of his life. Before long, Joe had changed his degree focus to the Department of Coaching and Sports Administration where he earned his Bachelor's of Science under Ladner's tutelage.

Following his graduation from USM, Joe returned to South Mississippi and joined the Hancock County School System where he coached under the late Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame member Irvin Favre and with Rocky Gaudin and Tim Favre. In his first season, Joe helped lead the Hawks to an undefeated season and the Pickle Bowl championship. Joe continued to coach football, especially the junior high and ninth grade teams, at Hancock North Central until 1990.

Joe left HNC and joined the staff at Bay High School coaching football and track and field until his retirement in 2007. Before too long, Joe returned to the sidelines in a part-time capacity until his full retirement in 2011. During his time in Kiln and Bay St. Louis, Joe coached thousands of young men and women and created lifelong relationships with his student athletes, colleagues, and coaches who always sought his advice and counsel. The Eye of the Tiger Award presented each year to a deserving Bay High football player is presented in his honor.

Later in life, Joe treasured the once-a-month gatherings of the Hancock County Legends Luncheon where former greats, sometimes in their own minds, from Hancock County would gather to share stories and swap memories of great games of the past. Joe also enjoyed traveling with his most cherished companion, Marie Favre. He often spoke of a favorite trip that he and Marie enjoyed to Las Vegas where together they viewed the Grand Canyon.

Joe is survived by his cherished companion, Marie Favre, his son William Shaw (Caroline), and son Michael Shaw. He is also survived by grandchildren Grayson Shaw, Marlena Shaw, Katilyn Shaw, Tuff Shaw, Mailey Shaw, and Garrett Shaw. Additionally, Joe is survived by Marie's daughter Jodi (Adam) Cobb and their children Tucker and Cullen Cobb, and Marie's son Brad (Cassandra) Favre and their son, Easton.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Bay High Football - Please make checks to Bay Waveland School District with "Attention: Bay High Football" in the memo line.

Services for Joe Shaw will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Bay St. Louis Community Center with visitation from 10 a.m. -until 1 p.m. with a funeral service at 1 p.m. A private burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joe Michael Shaw, Sr.