Joe was a quiet, brilliant man. He was my Sunday School teacher for most of my college years, and he taught me so much. He helped me look at the Bible from an intellectual perspective. In his class, we would look at the verbs and the structure of the text, and now today, I am a rhetoric teacher. He introduced me to my love for rhetoric. Sadly. I lost my grandpa while in Joe's class, but God is always so good. I was very upset by his passing. On the Sunday I returned to the Sunday School after the funeral, Joe's new lesson series was on Heaven. This series was the first time that I had looked carefully at the qualities the Bible says Heaven will have, and this series brought me the greatest peace. For the first time, I wasn't afraid of dying. And I was no longer sad for my loved ones who had gone there ahead of me. This was a gift that he probably didn't even know that he gave me. It is one that has and will continue to stay with me. Joe loved physics, and I dated/married a physicist. Whenever I would bring Geoff to Sunday School, Joe always loved having a few minutes to visit with Geoff about all things physics, and I loved that he liked Geoff. Joe's opinion meant a lot to me, and the fact that he liked Geoff made me love Geoff even more. Joe's passing is one that will forever leave a hole in the hearts of those he loved, mentored, and taught. Judy-please know that you are in my prayers. I loved Joe, and my heart is broken in his absence. But because of what Joe taught me about Heaven, I know that Joe has been made whole again, and he is rejoicing with our Savior today. I cannot wait until we are reunited there one day. -Shannon

We are so blessed to have known Joe as brother-in-law and uncle, and to have watched his faith lived out so  graciously to everyone in our family, young and old.  What an honor to have a share in the legacy of Joe's  well lived life.  We will continue to draw upon his wisdom and love as long as we walk this earth .
Sharing your sorrow and your joy in the midst of it,
 Betty Ann, for Jack and family

Sorry for your loss!  We are remembering each of you in our prayers.   Love you very much Judy and all of your family!
We shall see him again soon!   


Ted Dickey Funeral Home

Joe Cleveland

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Joe Robert Cleveland

June 26, 1941 – May 4, 2021

Ted Dickey Funeral Home

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