Joseph William "Joe" Huntley, age 86

Joseph William "Joe" Huntley, age 86 of Forest City passed away Friday, November 4, 2016.

Joe was born on January 1, 1930 in Rutherford County and was the son of the late William Stanford and Lala Roberson Huntley. He worked for thirty years with the NC Department of Corrections and retired as superintendent at the Spindale Correctional Facility. While at the prison he was instrumental in organizing and raising funds to build the 096 Spindale Prison Chapel which is still in use today providing a place of worship for inmates at the Spindale Unit. Joe was a member of the Bethany Baptist Church where he has served as a Deacon, and on various committees over the years including being a Royal Ambassador leader for many years. He was also involved in the planning of the new church facility and the demolition of the old church building as well as clearing the property for the present church softball field. Joe was a mason and enjoyed cattle farming.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susie Huntley, and sisters, Jean Owens and Frances Cole.

Survivors include his wife of seventy years, Frances Simpson Huntley, daughters, Sandra Jo "Sandy" Huntley, Cynthia Huntley Beason Calvert and her husband Hollis, and Deborah Huntley Keeter Atkins all of Forest City, five sisters, Muriel Hash of Forest City, Madge Layton of Florida, Joyce Guffey and Betty Ruppe and husband Robert all of Forest City, and Judy Crawford and husband Donald of Gilkey. There are also four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

The Funeral service was held in the Bethany Baptist Church with Reverend Chris Fox officiating. Interment was held in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church Missions, 760 Bethany Church Road, Forest City, NC 28043 or the 096 Prison Ministry, POB 13, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.