Joe Kennon McArthur

Born in Meridian, Mississippi, to Frank Kennon McArthur and Connie Duckworth McArthur. Joe grew up with a love for laughter, sports, and family.

A 1969 graduate of Shades Valley High School, Joe was an exceptional athlete. After graduation, he signed to play professional baseball with the Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers organizations, a chapter of his life he was incredibly proud of and one that shaped his lifelong love for the game.

Joe later graduated from the University of Alabama Birmingham with many professional degrees, including a degree in accounting with certifications in banking and finance.

On September 16, 1978, Joe married Linda Hewitt in Decatur, AL. Together they shared a life filled with love raising their two sons, Kennon and Jeffrey, and blessed with two Grandchildren, Kenleigh and Jake.

Joe went on to build a successful 35+ year career in banking, holding positions from accounting to CEO. After retirement, Joe continued doing what he loved most: coaching baseball, instructing and mentoring young athletes, and even discovered a love for driving the buses for the Shelby County Schools.

Joe wore many titles throughout his life; husband, Dad, coach, and friend, but none meant more to him than being “Papa Joe” and “JoeJoe.”

Joe never met a stranger. He loved sports, especially baseball and golf, animals, practical jokes, making people laugh, and being surrounded by those he loved. He had a gift for making every gathering more fun simply by being there.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Kennon McArthur and Connie Duckworth McArthur.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda Hewitt McArthur; sons Kennon McArthur (Ginger) and Jeffrey McArthur; granddaughter Kenleigh McArthur; grandson Jake McArthur and Jake’s Mother, Jennah; brother Dan McArthur (Leigh); sisters- and brothers-in-law Janet Hewitt Hill (Eric), Freddie Hewitt, and Marty Hewitt (Harper); nieces Courtney Leigh McArthur (Jordan Criswell), Katie Martin Hewitt, Hannah Hewitt, and Emily Hewitt; nephews Peyton Hewitt and Graham McArthur (Vanessa Joy Macayah); along with many extended family members, former players, students, and friends who loved him dearly.

Family visitation will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 10 am, at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 11 am at Southern Heritage.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jordan L. Mathews Memorial Foundation. https://forever24jlm.org/

Joe’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched on the baseball field, in the community, and especially within his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.