Joel Clifford Kunkel

Joel Clifford Kunkel, 88, of Decatur, AL, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. His graveside service will be on Friday, August 30, at Roselawn Cemetery Mausoleum at 2:00 PM with Commander Phil Terry officiating.

Joel is survived by his wife of 44 years, Bernice Kunkel; daughters, Kandy Ansley and Sherrie Kunkel; children, Kathy (Gary), Keith, and Karen (Scott); grandchildren, Kailee, Steven, Chris, Brandon, Rachael, Hunter, Aren, and Bailey; great-grandchildren, Alex, Roxanne, Nathaneil, and Charlee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Pauline; grandparents, John and Garcia; brothers, John Kunkel and Julian Kunkel; sister, Brenda Lutz; in laws, James and Lilly Mae Alexander, Clarence and Mary Morgan.

As a child growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania, Joel enjoyed farming, fishing and swimming in the creek. He was a self-taught guitarist and considered Chet Atkins his idol. Joel was an avid bowler, gardener and teacher. He taught his daughters how to garden at the age of 10, and how to ride bikes by the age of 4. Joel was a remarkable storyteller. He was the master of sarcastic humor, and a glorious pain in the neck at times.

Joel retired as a Master Chief after serving his country for 31 years in the Navy. His greatest accomplishment was receiving the Navy’s top enlisted grade. After his retirement, Joel embarked on a second career with the Seminole County Fire Department, where he later retired after 10 years. Joel’s irreplaceable presence will be missed by all who knew and loved him.