Joseph "Joe" Miller Sheets

Joe was born on June 7, 1949 to Frank Miller (Jim) and Eugenia Lanier Sheets in Winston-Salem, NC. He and Debbie moved to the Raleigh area in the mid-1980’s, eventually planting roots in Apex. If Joe crossed your path, it is likely that you will never forget him. His gifts of storytelling and humor never failed to light up a room (or an email inbox), and his curiosity sparked many reflective conversations. Joe was affectionately known by his grandchildren as “Grande”, which accurately captured his large personality, sense of adventure, and deep devotion to his family. And his bravery highlighted his final years as he faced a harsh disease with courage.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother (Ben Sheets) and sister-in-law (Carolyn); his in-laws (Alvin Eugene Disher and Cleo Trivette Disher); and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick and Rita Disher.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Deborah Disher Sheets; his daughter, Jesseca DiGiacomo (Jessy Sheets), grandson, Reid DiGiacomo and granddaughter, Stella DiGiacomo; nephew, Dave Sheets (Christa) of Holly Springs, NC, niece, Donna Sheets Mayfield (Andy) of Trinity, NC; nephew, Scott Disher (Melinda) of Kannapolis, NC and nephew, Andrew Disher of Gladys, VA. He also leaves fond memories with his great-nieces and great-nephews, Katelyn Sheets, Stephen Mayfield, Joshua Mayfield, Mollie Mayfield, Ashley Disher White (Cameron), Ryan Disher (Caroline) and Brandon Disher, along with the newest family member, great-great-nephew Owen Disher. Joe has numerous cousins that he grew up with in Winston-Salem with whom he stayed in close contact with through the years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions made in Joe’s memory would be appreciated to either Triangle Aphasia Project in Cary (www.aphasiaproject.org/donate/) or Transitions Life Care in Raleigh (www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/), who provided loving hospice care during Joe’s last month along with the loving staff in Memory Care Villa C at The Reserve at Mills Farm.

Information on a Celebration of Life for Joe will be provided at a later date.

Fond memories and photos may be shared below within “add a memory” for the Sheets family. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Apex Funeral Home.