Obituary: Joseph Oliver Stilley

Joseph Oliver Stilley, 76, passed away peacefully at his home on August 23, 2026.

Joe enlisted in the Reserves after graduating from high school. He later returned home to Jones County, where he farmed for more than 50 years with his father, brothers, son and grandson. Farming was far more than an occupation to him; it was a way of life. He was incredibly hard-working and took great pride in the life he built for his family. He understood the meaning of an early morning, a long day, and work that needed to be done whether it was easy or not. While he was proud to be a farmer, his favorite titles were Husband, Daddy, and Papa. Joe was strong-willed and determined, but also exceptionally patient, forgiving, and kind. He loved his wife deeply, was so proud of his children, and found so much joy in being a Papa to his grandchildren.

Some of his favorite times were spent traveling with the people he loved most. He enjoyed cruising and taking road trips to the mountains with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved fishing with his son and grandson and sitting on the porch listening to country music. Although Joe was always busy, the world seemed to stop when his grandchildren came to visit. He took great pride in teaching his children and grandchildren how to drive on the farm and loved piling his grandchildren in the truck to ride around and check on the crops. And when he wasn’t farming or traveling, he could often be found in the kitchen cooking alongside his wife.

Joe showed his love in everything he did. He worked hard to provide for the people he loved, cared for them deeply, and could always be counted on when they needed him. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Dolly Stilley; his brother, Donald; and his sister, Kathy.

Joe is survived by his wife, Helen Stilley; son, Joe Stilley (Megan), and grandchildren, Tyler and Sadie Grace; daughter, Susan Whitfield (Chris), and grandchildren, Courtney (Tanner) and Elizabeth Jo; brother, Samuel Stilley; and sister, Rhonda Faulkner.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., At Chinquapin Chapel Church in Trenton with Pastor Paul Milner officiating. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Chinquapin Chapel Baptist Church, 1561 Chinquapin Chapel Road, Trenton, NC 28585, or Ambleside Preparatory Academy, 1003 W. New Bern Road, Kinston, NC 28504.