Joe Lingle

Joe Thomas Lingle, 79, of Statesville, NC passed away peacefully at Gordon's Hospice House on Friday January 31 from a rare form of liver cancer. He is now resting and at peace with his heavenly father. Born on March 3, 1934, he led a long, happy and successful life with many friends and a loving family. Joe's career began and ended in the grocery business over 60 years ago, working for his father Paul Lingle at Boulevard Grocery. One of Joe's favorite memories was of delivering groceries on his bike. Many years later he would refurbish a bike like the one he had ridden years before. In 1974, Joe and his wife Ann opened Joe Lingle's Quick Stop on the corners of Buffalo Shoals and Old Mountain Road that would become known as Lingle's Corner. There they worked side by side for over 32 years along with children Lori and Lance. Joe or "Cheap Joe" as he became known, loved his customers and employees and they loved him in return. The "Store" as his family called it was the central force in their family. It was where you could always find both Joe and Ann, it was their extended home. The store was where Joe and Ann taught their children and grandchildren many life lessons like; family first, there is happiness and laughter in everything, and if you work hard you will always be successful. Joe was also a lover of anything with a motor and the faster the better. From race cars to motorcycles, you could always find him either talking about or watching the race. He prided himself on his early days spent at the Hickory Motor Speedway and then later on watching his grandson Garrett's motocross seasons. Joe leaves behind his wife and best friend of 55 years, Ann Thomas Lingle; his daughter Lori and her husband Mark Laws; son Lance and his wife Melissa (Missy). He also had four grandchildren: Garrett Church, LucyAnn Ferguson, Austin and Savannah Laws. Joe, who was known by many names, was best known to his grandchildren as Papaw. If you spend any time with his grandchildren they can fill you with stories on Papaw that will always leave you with a smile. Joe did not let this cancer dominate or define his life. He tried to stay the same active man that he had always been. Since retiring in 2007, Joe along with Ann spent time traveling to warm weather destinations with their dog Patch who was Joe's best buddy. Joe was an active member of Concord United Methodist Church in Catawba, NC where he was a member of the Methodist Men's group and the Mixed Blessings Sunday school class. Joe was preceded in death by his father and mother; Paul and Annie Lingle. He is survived by his favorite sister-in-law; Alice Fortner and her husband Rudy who introduced Joe and Ann many years ago. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and friend, Clyde Thomas. Additionally he is survived by a sister; Betty Sells and her husband Leo of Lyman, SC. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday evening, February 2, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Nicholson Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held on Monday, February 3, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Concord United Methodist Church, 7618 Monbo Rd, Catawba, NC with Rev. John McGill officiating. Burial will follow at Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A very special thank you to Gordon's Hospice House and its wonderful staff. You were a blessing to our family. In lieu of flowers please make donation to Gordon's Hospice House 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.