Mr. Joseph Hugh Durley

On May 25th, 2023, the clouds lifted and ushered Joseph Hugh Durley, 63, of Cypress, TX to heaven. Joseph Durley was born in Little Rock, AR on March 10th, 1960. He was blessed with two amazing and loving parents, Chester Simpson and Thirkield Moon Durley of West Memphis, AR. He was introduced to a life with Christ at a young age; and was baptized at the 14th Street Church of Christ. It was here that Joseph discovered his love of singing and community service. He spent most of his childhood working with his parents in and around the church. It was at the 14th Street Church of Christ, that Joseph created life-long bonds with his church family.

As a young adult, Joseph developed a love for auto mechanics while working for Mr. Gage’s auto shop. His time there helped to influence his military career path. Joseph enlisted in the United States Army on July 26th, 1977. His career spanned a total of 32 years. While serving as a reservist during the 1980s, Joseph also worked for the Federal Express Corporation, until his transition back to active duty in 1990. During his military career, he received numerous commendations and promotions while serving in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990-1991. While serving in the military, Joseph attained the rank of Sgt. 1st Class. Sgt. Durley was unlike any other. He was blessed with the gift of leadership. As he would always quote, “NCOs are the backbone of the Army”, which is why his soldiers respected him as a great leader. He spent his entire career leading an amazing young group of men and women and helping them navigate their military journey. On March 31st, 2009, Joseph retired from the United States Army.

After his military retirement, Joseph continued his spirit of entrepreneurial endeavors, which led him to cattle-farming. In addition to cattle farming, Joseph continued to embrace the traits and characteristics that his parents and the church instilled in him. He was a joyful person with a big spirit. He spent every day working to continue the legacy and traditions of his parents. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to be independent and hardworking; always challenging them to set goals, aim high and never look down. Joseph was a self -less, god-fearing man with a big heart and the smile to match.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chester Simpson Durley and his mother, Thirkield Moon Durley. He was survived by his wife, Zenetta Granger Durley (Cypress, Texas); one sister: Evelyn Y. Tinnon (Memphis, Tennessee); nine children: LaQuence Crayton (Memphis, Tennessee), Antwan Prather (Savannah, Georgia), Dameion Donerson (Dallas, Texas), Melanie Clark (West Memphis, Arkansas), Valencia Joubert-Durley (The Woodlands, Texas), Joseph D. Durley (Houston, Texas), Kiana R. Durley (Killeen, Texas), Justin Tweedle (Katy, Texas) and Shelby J. Tweedle (Houston, Texas). Joseph leaves to forever cherish his memory, 19 grandchildren, 1 niece, and a host of relatives and friends.