He graduated from Sherman High School in 1967 and joined the US Army with his dear friend JD Smith. They trained in the infantry and were sent into combat during the Vietnam War where Joe served as a medic and received many service medals and commendations.

He married Cynthia Elkins December 23, 1971 and she survives him after almost 55 years of marriage. He made his home in Seagoville, Texas, for the majority of his adult life and worked in the building supply industry for many decades before retiring to a part-time job at Wal-Mart in Forney where he so enjoyed working in the electronics department.

He is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, infant son Jason, son Joel Richard, and nephew Kevin. He is survived by his wife Cinde, daughter Amanda Taylor (William), daughter Misty Thomas (Max), grandchildren Dustin Taylor (Laura), Dalton Spear, Dillon Spear, Brittney Luna (Brian), Meagan Huffman (Hank), Dakota Spear, Blake Dodson, Jacob Dodson and Lucas Dodson. Great grandchildren Emma Taylor, Emmett Huffman, Julianna Luna and Natalia Luna (coming in October), his sister Virginia Robertson (Bobby), daughter in law Kara along with many cousins, friends and his pup Jenny.

He was an amazing husband, father, Poppa, and friend. He will be very missed and loved forever.

Pallbearers will be William Taylor, Max Thomas, Dustin Taylor, Brian Luna, Dalton Spear, Dakota Spear, Blake Dodson, Jacob Dodson and Lucas Dodson.

Services to be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 14 at First Baptist Church, 108 E. Farmers Rd., Seagoville, TX 75159 with Gary Tidwell officiating. There will be a time for visitation prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial at the DFW national cemetery with full military honors to be held at a later date.