He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mary Lytton Rogers; his sisters, Marlene Broome and Joy Blake; his daughter, Sherri Rogers; and his granddaughter, Katherine Brown.
Joel is survived by his loving children: Terri Rogers Panter, Tammy Brown (Mike), Danny Walker (Marianna), and Donna Earl (Tommy). He also leaves behind a cherished legacy through his grandchildren: Jeremy Walker (Lindsay), Tiffany Poole (James), Jessica Slack (Stoney), Joseph Rogers (Diamond), Andrew Walker, and John Walker; and his great-grandchildren: Riley McNair, Alexandria Goode, Jayla Goode, Gavin Walker, Hendrix Goode, Quinn Walker, and Elynnor Rogers.
Joel proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, the Lions Club, and over 50 years' service with the Free Masons. For almost 40 years, he provided civil service through the post office, including many years as Postmaster.
A lifelong baseball fan, Joel especially loved cheering for the Atlanta Braves, rarely missing a game and always believing this would be their year. He was an avid UNC Tarheel fan, even representing his team while receiving care at Duke. Above all else, Joel’s greatest joy was his family. He was a loving son, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished special occasions and simple times spent together.
Joel will be remembered for his gentle kind heart, a great sense of humor, and devotion to those he loved. His family takes comfort in knowing that his warmth, humor, and love will live on in the many lives he touched.
A visitation for Joel will be held Monday, November 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054, followed by a funeral service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
