Joe Talmage Chatman was born on July 2, 1959, in Tuskegee, Alabama to the late Minnie P. and Ocie Chatman.

Joe was educated in the New York City Public School System, graduating from Forest Hills High School in Queens, New York.  While at Russell Sage Junior High School and Forest Hills High School   Joe participated in basketball. Joe later pursued his education and earned an associate's degree in paralegal studies. Joe briefly worked at the Queens County Court as a Paralegal Advisor.

In 1982 Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corp., Joe served three years and reached the rank of Corporal E-4 and received and Honorable Discharge. Joe later went on to work in the New York Racing Association at both Aqueduct and Belmont Racetracks as an armed Pinkerton Security Guard. When Joe left NYRA he became a federal Correction Officer, where he was assigned to various federal facilities throughout New York City. While working as a federal correction officer Joe attended a Technical Careers Institute earning a degree in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Joe worked as a HVAC technician while he was a correction officer and some years later Joe's mother founded the family business; Chat-Air Mechanical Inc., and appointed Joe head of management.

Joe was a fun, compassionate and caring person that enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and his nieces and nephews, whom he taught a lot of them how to drive. Joe enjoyed listening to old school music and dancing. Joe had a signature dance that his nieces and nephews mocked him doing still today.

Joe transitioned from earth to glory on June 1st, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted companion: Anita Robinson

Joe was preceded in death by; his brothers; Willie and Wilbert (the twins), James and Pelter and two sisters; Mattie Dunn and Zona Mae Davis and one son; Gerald Lovell.

Joe leaves to cherish his loving memories; his devoted companion; Anita Robinson, one daughter; Arika, his sons; Jerome, Talmage and Michael, one grandson; Omir Isaac, two sisters; Vera Chatman-Hooks and Janet Parker two brothers-in-law; Ronald Hooks and Milton Dunn Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other family members and numerous friends.