Joseph Alan Gilstrap

April 20, 1959 – April 2, 2024

Joey came into this world Monday, April 20,1959 at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia. Joey drew his last earthly breath Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Cobb General Hospital in Austell, Georgia, surrounded by family and close friends.

As Joey stepped out of this life and onto the Heavenly shore, he was greeted by a crowd of loving people who preceded him in death. His parents, Loy Edward ‘Bud’ Gilstrap and Betty Colleen Sosebee Gilstrap, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and precious friends he had longed to see for so long. We can only imagine what a wonderful welcome party that was.

He is survived by daughter Jami Elese Gilstrap (Judd Thompson), sisters Janice Elese Gilstrap and Jennifer Diane Gilstrap Smith, brother-in-law Marcus Lee Smith, niece Makenzie Lee Smith and nephew Brody Loy Smith. He also leaves behind uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends.

In the dash between 1959 and 2024, Joey lived his life with a smile on his face and love in his heart. He was kind, patient and the best hugger ever. Even in life’s rough patches he never complained. He embraced the teachings of his childhood and was guided by his love of God, family, and friends. His work ethic afforded him many jobs, the longest being at Delta Airlines, where he retired in 2020. His favorite things were family, friends, music, sports, food, movies, trivia, pranks, the Georgia Bulldogs, and the Atlanta Braves.

From his early years, Joey was involved with many groups and organizations. These groups led to some of the strongest ties in his life. Church groups, youth camps, missionary trips to Mexico, football, trivia, golf, but especially softball. Softball was the constant that fueled him all his life. Over the 30+ years he played, umpired, and directed softball, he enjoyed the ISA (Independent Sports Association) the most. One of the proudest honors of his life was January 28, 2023, when he was inducted into the ISA Hall of Fame. Many of his lifelong friendships came from the Georgia ISA and the ISA on a national level. We treasure those close friends and consider them family.

A memorial will be held Sunday, April 7th, 5:00 p.m. eastern at the Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home, with visitation immediately following.

To celebrate Joey’s life and honor his love for sports, we request that you wear Atlanta Braves or Georgia Bulldogs gear or colors. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the family to help cover final expenses.

Services will be Live Streamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/2070719439