James "Joe" Stokely

Joe Stokely

Pauline,SC - James Joseph “Joe” Stokely, 78, was  called home to be with the Lord and meet his loved ones who were waiting for him on January 27, 2025.

Born in Cocke County, TN, Joe was the only son of the late Claude Curtis and Bonnie Kate (Woody) Stokely.   He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Carolyn (Clark) Stokely, one sister Wanda Faye Strange, his granddaughter Marissa Leanne Butler and great granddaughter Ayannah Renea Degree.  He was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church in Enoree, SC.

He is survived by his two sisters:  Dora Kate Stokely and Nellie Haney both of Del Rio TN.   He leaves here on earth to cherish his memory forever four daughters:  Cathy (Roy) Stokely of Grey Court, Freda Butler, Cindy Jackson, and Debra Stokely, all of Spartanburg.  Four grandchildren James Owen, Clark Butler, Katrina and Destiny Jackson, 2 step grandchildren, Billy and Justin Jackson, 2 great grandchildren, Kairi and Sean Owen, his 3 nephews Rodney (Regina), Anthony (Wendy), Curtis (Mary Lou) Haney and niece Angel (Stephen) Whaley.   All of whom he cherished, loved dearly and loved spending time with.

In addition to his family members, he leaves behind his best friend and mule “George”.  After his wife Carolyn passed away Joe could be seen chatting with George from the back porch talking about his day and occasionally sharing the end of his Pepsi.  George will undoubtedly miss him too.

He was a retired Quality Inspector at Spartanburg Steel Products working over 42 years there.  He was an avid hunter, fisherman and camper.  Most summers when he was younger you could catch him amongst Roan Mountain in Tennessee camping with his wife, girls, sisters, nephews and niece.  He was the President of the Spartanburg Coon Hunters Association where he brought his girls up teaching them how to hunt.   He loved listening to his beagle's run rabbits on a cold winter's day, his coon hounds at night and chatting with his hunting buddies while doing what he loved.

A true believer of God and the word of God.   He was the greatest daddy, brother, son, Pa, uncle, cousin and true friend to many.

His legacy will no doubt live on through family and friends.

Visitation will be 1pm-3pm at Lanford Gwinn Mortuary in Woodruff, SC Friday, January 31, 2025, with Funeral services to follow at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Jeff Wells officiating.  Interment will be at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.

Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary

Woodruff, SC.