Joe Stinson, e-mail
Sales Director, THE OBSERVER Newspaper
Joe B. Stinson is the sales director at THE OBSERVER Newspapers. He originally came to THE OBSERVER in 1966 where he got involved in circulation and sales.A graduate of Tennessee State University, with a bachelor’s of science degree in Aviation Education and Industrial Arts, the newspaper business seems to be an unusual place for a man with his background in which to get involved.
Stinson took a leave of absence from the paper from 1967 through 1969. During that time he taught auto mechanics at Hiram Johnson High School. He was the first Black certificated teacher ever to instruct on a full-time basis at the school.
Stinson returned to THE OBSERVER in 1970.
However, he left the paper briefly in 1972. Stinson was selected to participated in the U.S. Marines new experimental recruiting program. A Marine Reservist, Stinson was chosen along with 85 other military personnel to head up recruitment efforts in their respective hometowns. He was involved in the program for three-years, after which he again returned to THE OBSERVER.
Stinson was born in Ripley, Tennessee. In high school he was active in the New Farmers of America. He retired from the Marines at the rank of Sergeant Major in the Reserves.
Stinson has been married to wife, Marlene, for 36 years. They have three children, Gregory, Marsha and Veronica.
