Joe Burnie Small
1952 - 2024
Joe was born 10/19/1952 to Mozelle Beck Small and John B Small in High Point, Guilford County North Carolina.
Joe was a devoted husband, father and friend. He passed 12/08/2024. Known for his Vibrant personality and deep love of life.
He lived daily with a generous heart and ready smile. Joe was a dedicated and trusted professional armored car guard before his retirement. His passions were the people and moments that made life meaningful. An avid love of westerns, he was often found immersed in tales of adventure and heroism, on the screen or in pages of a worn out book. His thirst for knowledge and stories extended to any book, reflecting his lifelong curiosity. Knowing Joe was knowing his love for conversation he never met a stranger.
Turning every interaction into human connection. He made friends wherever he went. He was loved by neighbors and friends for his warmth and sociable nature. With his heart firmly rooted in family. He adored his wife, best friend and soulmate of 49 years. They enjoyed priceless cook outs, music-filled days, and treasured trips to beaches and mountains. He was delighted by simple joys, kids at play, cheering on his grandsons at sports. He loved holding babies, whose smiles and laughter brought him endless happiness. Fall was his favorite time of year. The crisp and colorful foliage delighted him, and it mirrored his reflective and joyful spirit. Always embracing the beauty of change, savoring life moments with gratitude and love. His presence for those that knew him was a gift. He leaves a legacy of kindness, laughter, and connection that will be cherished forever. He was preceded in death by his son, Joe Wesley Small. Surviving is his wife, Paulette Small and Mom in law, Virginia Grant, son Pete Small, daughter Teri Davis and her wife, Zandra. His only granddaughter, Carmen Small. Grandsons, Sterling Small, Wesley Small, Austin Mackintosh, DJ Butler, and Bubba Gilmer. His only great-grandson, Shepard Small. Sisters, Donnie Briggs, Wendy Small-Vanoven, Susan Houston, and Mary Barnes. A brother, Donny Small, Best friend and cousin, Dewey Teal and many, many nieces and nephews and cousins, and in-laws. Memorial service is pending.
Another piece of my heart has moved on. I pray you are resting with Joe Wesley.I love you so much and always will. I thank you for everything that you taught me. Trying to be strong for you.Until we meet again Dad.
So glad that you are in Peace now.
Sending my love and condolences for Big Joe’s passing. He was loved y many and he definitely never met a stranger!! We met when I was only sixteen and he was working for Red Bird. Many nights he carried all of us home safely!
Then years later after marrying into the family, we shared some awesome family trips, some intense family moments, and some great laughs along the way. I know he’s sitting & talking with his mom and son now, and I’m glad he’s not in pain anymore.
Sending my love and prayers to Paulette, TT, Pete and all the rest of the family & friends ❤️🙏
Sending my love and condolences for Big Joe’s passing. He was loved y many and he definitely never met a stranger!! We met when I was only sixteen and he was working for Red Bird. Many nights he carried all of us home safely!
Then years later after marrying into the family, we shared some awesome family trips, some intense family moments, and some great laughs along the way. I know he’s sitting & talking with his mom and son now, and I’m glad he’s not in pain anymore.
Sending my love and prayers to Paulette, TT, Pete and all the rest of the family & friends ❤️🙏
RIP Joe. Our condolences to his family. He was a friend for many years.
So sorry for your loss. He was definitely one of a kind. I’m sure Joe Wesley is happy to hug him again. Prayers for the family