Joseph Woosley

Joe was born September 20, 1932, in Caneyville, Kentucky, to Lawton and Lilly Layman Woosley. He graduated from Leitchfield High School in 1949, then in 1953, graduated from Bowling Green College of Commerce (now Western Kentucky University) with a degree in accounting.

Joe married Miriam Graham April 18,1953, and three months later was drafted into the US Army, honorably serving during the Korean war until 1955 when Joe was able to trade his rifle for a ledger.

On two different occasions at professional development courses, Joe met Clarence Jordan. Clarence persuaded Joe to join him as his partner. Joe and Miriam moved to Hot Springs in 1965, and Jordan Woosley CPAs, which later evolved into JWCK, Ltd. began. The firm quadrupled in size in seven years. Over the next five decades, Joe's hard work and commitment established the firm as a pillar in the community. He retired at the age of 89, not because he lost his passion for accounting, but to spend more time with his family and indulge in his favorite pastime, golf on his favorite courses at Hot Springs Golf and Country Club.

Joe was an active member of First Baptist Church for over 60 years, serving as a deacon and living a life that exemplified his faith. He was also an active figure in the Hot Springs community. Joe was a dedicated member of the National Park Rotary and recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served on the YMCA board and participated in fundraising for local initiatives such as the Boys Club, Mid-America Science Museum, and the YMCA building.

His love for sports, particularly basketball and football, was surpassed only by his passion for golf. Joe traveled to many fantastic courses but always cherished his home courses at Hot Springs Golf and Country Club, where he was recently recognized as an honorary member.

Known for his ready smile and warm demeanor, Joe touched countless lives with his kindness and generosity. Joe’s business career was built on integrity, caring for the vulnerable, and efficiency with the numbers. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to his profession, Joe received the CFO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to excellence and service. “My father taught me by example to be honest, to have a strong work ethic, and to respect others-no matter their station in life.”

Joe is survived by his wife of seventy-three years, Miriam, and their children: Joe (Brandy) Woosley, Mary Evelyn (Scott) Kimbro, and John (Blythe) Woosley. His legacy is carried forward by his four grandchildren: Amber Nicole Woosley, Wayland Woosley, Maggie Beth Kimbro, and Molly Mac Kimbro. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ralph and Rosie Graham, brother-in-law Larry Graham, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Hoyt and Nadine Woosley, brother-in-law Malcolm Graham, and his grandson Harlon Graham Kimbro.

A service to celebrate Joe's life will be held on November 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.

Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and service. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, yet his spirit and values will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.