Joe Earl Conway

Joe Earl Conway, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. An accomplished manufacturing executive, husband, father and grandfather, and fiercely loyal friend, Joe lived a life defined by determination, independence and a deep commitment to the people and pursuits that mattered most to him.

Born September 10, 1946, in Henderson, Texas, to Joe Hershel and Johnnie Welch Conway, Joe grew up in the East Texas communities of Minden and Henderson. Raised by hardworking parents of modest means, he developed an independent spirit, a strong work ethic and an ambition to explore opportunities beyond the place where he began. Though his career would take him across the country and around the world, his East Texas roots and the friendships formed there remained an important part of his identity.

Joe graduated from Henderson High School in 1965, where he developed friendships that would endure for more than six decades. He and a close-knit group of classmates continued to travel together and gather for reunions throughout their lives. In 2024, Henderson High School recognized Joe as a Distinguished Alumnus, an honor that held special meaning for someone so deeply connected to his hometown.

Following two years at Kilgore Junior College, Joe graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. A lifelong Longhorn, he held season tickets to University of Texas athletic events throughout his adult life and was particularly passionate about Longhorn football and basketball.

On January 16, 1971, Joe married Carol Anne Ellison, beginning a marriage that spanned more than 55 years. Together, they raised two children and shared a love of travel that took them around the world. Just weeks before his death, Joe and Carol returned from a cruise around Scandinavia, one final adventure in a lifetime of shared experiences.

Joe began his professional career at Union Carbide and spent many years with Dresser Industries in its valves and controls business. He subsequently held senior executive positions with Daniel Industries, The Manitowoc Company and Taylor-Dunn. Throughout his career, Joe developed a particular expertise and passion for corporate turnarounds, bringing disciplined leadership and a practical, results-oriented approach to businesses facing significant challenges.

For the final years of his career, Joe served in senior executive leadership at Shelby American, including as chief operating officer, chief executive officer and co-chief executive officer. His work with the iconic American automotive company carried special family significance: its founder, Carroll Shelby, was Carol's uncle.

Joe was a serious, direct and deeply independent man who valued integrity, competence and authenticity. He had little patience for pretension and preferred straightforward conversations and genuine relationships. His opinions were firmly held and rarely left unexpressed, qualities that made him a distinctive presence among family, friends and colleagues.

He also believed in the importance of mentorship and helping young people recognize their potential. His commitment to encouraging the next generation earned him recognition as Mentor of the Year in Gardena, California.

Away from work, Joe was an avid outdoorsman who particularly enjoyed bird hunting and fishing. He loved dogs, especially the Labrador retrievers that were part of his family throughout his life, and more recently welcomed a cat named Peaches into his care. He enjoyed the adventure and wilderness writing of authors such as Jack London and the music of Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline.

To his four grandchildren, Joe was affectionately known as "Daddy Joe," carrying forward the name by which his own father had been known. As the second Daddy Joe, he continued a family connection that spanned generations.

Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol Anne Conway; his daughter, Thais Hanson, and her husband, David; his son, Andrew Warren Conway, and his wife, Natalie; and four beloved grandchildren, Anne Abigail Hanson, Isabel Cerys Hanson, Presley Marie Conway and Emmett Andrew Conway. He is also survived by his younger sister, Janet Sue Parker, of Tyler, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service will be held Friday, November 20, 2026, at noon at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Salvation Army or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

From his beginnings in East Texas to his leadership of an iconic American automotive company, Joe built a remarkable life on his own terms. He will be remembered for his convictions, his loyalty to lifelong friends and his devotion to family.