Joe P. McLain passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Durham-Hensley Hospice House in Greeneville, TN.
The youngest and last surviving child of Don and Polly McLain, Joe Paul was born in Van Hill, TN. After graduating from Baileyton High School, Joe Paul went on to live his life to the fullest. After a stint in the Army and working for Kingsport Press, Joe Paul was disabled in a car wreck in the late 1960’s. After his recovery, he continued his many adventures in life, never letting his disability slow him down. In the late 1970’s, Joe Paul’s adventures took him to Maine, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, and finally settling down in Summerville, South Carolina, where he had lived until the end of March, 2019, when his health brought him back to Tennessee, so he could be cared for by his family. While in Tennessee over the past three weeks, we, his family, are rejoicing in his renewal of faith and finding the peace that surpasses all understanding. Joe Paul lived his life to it’s fullest until cancer stole that from him, but we, his family, will always remember his quirky zest for life.
In addition to his parents, Joe Paul was preceded in death by his siblings: Don “Budge†McLain Jr, Sissy Anne McLain, Lola (Earl) Wilcox, Billy Sam McLain, Pauline (Hubert) Ball, Jim McLain, and Kate (Tip) Simpson; as well as a niece and nephew, Juanita Simpson McLain, and Jimmy Ball.
Survivors include nieces and nephews: Elizabeth Ball Bishop, Johnny Ball, Judy Wilcox Hensley, Pat Wilcox, Callie Wilcox Ward, Margaret Simpson Stallard, Donnie McLain, Susan Simpson Hartman, Mary Lea McLain Chrisman, Louis D. Simpson, Joey Simpson, and Phillip Wilcox; sister-in-law, Olena McLain; cousins, Bill (Louise) McLain, Stella Kay McLain, and Sam Crumley; special friends, Violet Wiley Marshall and Jackie Melton; and faithful friend to the end, his beloved dog, Charlie.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Saturday, April 20, 2019, at Christian-Sells Funeral Home in Rogersville. Graveside services will follow at 1:30 pm at Jones Cemetery. Christian-Sells Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.christiansells.com. |