Joseph William Staley

Joseph "Joe" William Staley died on November 22, 2022. He was a resident of NHC Knoxville. Prior to NHC, Joe lived with his brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Mickey Staley. For almost his entire adult life he resided with his parents, J.M. and Helen Staley and his sister Evelyn Staley. Joe and his family lived happily in Seymour for many years. During this time Joe worked at Goodwill and at TN Tape and Label. He graduated from South High School in 1959. A devout member of the Baptist faith, Joe was a member of First Baptist in Seymour and Meridian Baptist Church in Knoxville. There was nowhere Joe would rather be than in church. He particularly enjoyed visiting shut-ins with his Pastor Dana Fachman, helping out with Vacation Bible School, and attending Wednesday night services; it isn't certain whether Dana's fine sermons or the homemade meals were the reason he liked to arrive early every Wednesday.

Joe was one of those rare individuals for whom living a Christian life held no challenges or difficulties. Simply put, he possessed no meanness of spirit. He didn't have to look for the good in others; it was just readily apparent to him. One would be hard-pressed to find a kinder, more humble and more forgiving person. And as a bonus, he had a good sense of humor and was very funny.

Beyond church, Joe was an avid sports fan.

His favorite teams were the San Francisco Giants, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

He also loved the UT Vols, particularly the football, baseball, softball, and basketball teams. His favorite baseball player of all time was Willie Mays.

Music was another love of Joe's, and gospel music was his favorite. He especially liked the Gaithers. On occasion he liked to write songs of his own; they were whimsical and full of joy.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, J.M. and Helen Staley; sisters, Frances Staley, Carolyn Evans and Evelyn Staley; brothers, Don Staley and Ed Staley.

He is survived by his brother, Carl (Mickey) Staley and nieces, Kathi; Tonya; Beth; Linda; Dee Dee and Cindy, and nephews, Rick and Mike, and many cousins and close friends.

The family will honor Joe with services at Sherwood Chapel & Memorial Gardens, 3176 Airport Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701, at The Good Shepherd Mausoleum Chapel, on December 16, 2022, with Receiving of Friends from 11:00am to 12:00pm and a Memorial Service to follow at 12:00pm with Pastor Dana Fachman to officiate the service. In lieu of flowers the family request that donation in Joe's memory be made to Goodwill Industries, 5307 Kingston Pike #5020, Knoxville, TN 37919, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.sherwoodchapel.com for the Staley family.

Sherwood Chapel & Memorial Gardens

3176 Airport Highway

Alcoa, TN 37701

865-970-2955