Joseph Browning Kahle

Joe was born August 8, 1945 in Roanoke, Virginia and graduated from Jefferson High School there. His graduating class continues to keep in touch by holding periodic reunions over the years that Joe and Patty attended. Joe graduated from Emory and Henry University in Emory, Virginia where as a senior he was president of the Beta Lambda Zeta fraternity. He proudly served in the U. S. Navy including seeing duty on ship in both the Mediterranean and North Seas. Joe's outgoing personality led to a career in industrial sales with customers in energy, medical research and manufacturing companies in Virginia, Texas and both North and South Carolina.

Joe is survived by his wife of 39 years Patty Hejney Kahle, brothers Elijah Kahle (wife Jackie) and Bob Kahle (wife Marsha), sister Kemlee White, numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He is preceded in his passing by parents E. F. and Anna Kahle and sister Anne Gillette Foley. Joe actively participated in various sports including football in school and playing at golf and tennis for much of his adult lifetime. This included meeting wife Patty at adult tennis camp in Texas and wooing her with his blue eyes and easy smile. He played with and captained various club and USTA men's and mixed teams. Several of those advanced to numerous annual playoffs over the years, even including one at the national level. In retirement Joe played recreationally with a longstanding group of fellow tennis warriors known as The Bad News Bears. Through sports, especially tennis, he made many lifelong friends whom he considered extended family.

Joe and Patty were avid travelers, enjoying trips with friends and family across six continents - especially when attending a professional tennis tournament or enjoying a golf outing could become part of the trip. Most recently, Joe and Patty spent time watching various tennis tournaments on TV. Some of those were ones they had attended during past trips, bringing back joyful memories of travel adventures and the mutual interest that had brought them together in the beginning. Joe also loved listening to and attending classical music concerts and reading - especially books about history. He volunteered with Friendship Trays and since retirement attended presentations of the lifelong learning organization Senior Scholars.

A family service will be held at a later date in Roanoke. Over the past weeks Joe celebrated a milestone birthday and it became apparent that the remainder of his life’s journey would be short. During this time, so many near and far, in-person and virtually, expressed their love and support and prayers. He and I will always cherish those moments as the ultimate tribute to Joe. His was a life filled with the enduring strength and caring nature of family and friendship.

So when you think of Joe, we hope he brings a smile to your face and kinds word/even a prayer to your lips. Remembrances can be made to the Joseph B. Kahle Scholarship Fund at Emory and Henry University (www.emoryhenry.edu). Cards may be sent to Patty at McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.