Joel Malone Funderburk passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. He was born on August 28, 1934, in Daytona Beach, Florida the youngest and fifth child of William Thomas Funderburk and Laura Dickerson Funderburk.
Joel is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Ashley Funderburk, and their two sons Joel Malone Funderburk, Jr. of Greensboro, North Carolina and Jay Ashley Funderburk of Marietta, GA. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Katherine Laney Funderburk, Joel Malone Funderburk, Sophie Elizabeth Funderburk and Celia Louise Funderburk.
Joel had his first date with Norma, on May 10, 1960, and married her a few months later on November 28, 1960. This started their devoted relationship that spanned 65 years.
He started his career and love of architecture after graduating from high school in 1952. He worked as what he called a “gopher” until accepting a position as a draftsman for an architecture firm in Daytona Beach. In 1956, Joel accepted a draftsman position in Raleigh, NC. Like many of his generation, he was drafted into the army and served in the core of engineers from 1957 to 1959. Much of his service time was spent in Germany fueling his love of architecture. He returned to Raleigh after his service continuing his profession as a draftsman.
Raliegh is where he met Norma who immediately saw his talents. After they were married, Norma supported his pursuit of his architectural degree. Joel graduated from North Carolina State’s College of Design in 1966 and started his career as an architect in Southern Pines, NC. In 1968, he moved to Greensboro, NC where in 1972 he and two other architects started their own firm.
In 1974, he created his own firm where he designed commercial, education, and residential structures around NC until his retirement in 2019. Many of Joel’s designs can be seen in the area including the home his family lived in for over 40 years on West Cornwallis Dr.
Joel was a longtime member of the Greensboro Rotary Club. He was also an active member of West Market Street United Methodist Church and a member of several social organizations including the Greensboro Country Club.
Over the years, Joel enjoyed racquetball, golfing, sailing, and boating in general, especially around Oak Island, NC. where he started three beach house partnerships with friends and family. He also had a lifelong interest in design, art, and history. He fed these passions as he traveled with Norma and close friends. Their journeys took them across the United States, Europe, Egypt, and the Holy Lands.
The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Well-Spring Retirement Community for the kindness and care shown to Joel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, and the Well Spring Benevolence Fund at 4100 Well Spring Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410.
Services will be announced at a later date.
