Joseph Edward Lorency

Joseph Edward Lorency (Joe), 81, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2024 at his home in Bartlett, TN. Joe was born in Norfolk, VA on December 6, 1942. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Odessa Price Lorency along with his brothers Rev. David Lorency and Paul Lorency.

He was survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sherry McDonald Lorency and his daugther, Karen Lorency Knight along with his son in law, Steve Knight.

After graduating in 1961 from Granby High School, Norfolk, VA, he joined Naval Air Reserves on active duty in New Orleans, LA where he served as a Meteorologist. While stationed in New Orleans, he met Sherry at a church service that she attended while visiting her sister. They married in 1966 and relocated to Olathe, KS where Karen was born. He left the Navy and they moved to Sherry's hometown of Memphis TN to start his career in welding and fabricating. He spent many years working for two companies as a supervisor and project manager. Later in life he started his own company, JELCO Services which he successfully operated until his retirement.

Joe always loved gardening and planted many gardens in his lifetime. As he grew older and was diagnosed with cancer, he still wanted to continue to garden. He downsized to container gardens and he would start tomato plants from seeds. He loved to give others tomato plants so they could grow their own homegrown tomatoes which is how he obtained the nickname "Tomato Joe".

Joe had a strong faith in Christ and gave his heart to the Lord at a young age attending Glad Tiding Assembly of God in Norfolk, VA. He continued his devotion through the years at several Assembly of God churches in whatever community he lived. He served many roles through his lifetime as Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Royal Ranger Leader, Deacon and Church Treasurer.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Monday, November 4 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, located at 3700 Germantown Road, Bartlett, TN. Services will follow at 2:00 PM. The burial will take place at a later date at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, Memphis, TN.