Joseph Edward Cary

Joseph Edward Cary, 84, passed away January 16, 2022. He was born in Nash County on April 27, 1937, son of the late James William and Marie Ayers Cary. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, his childhood sweetheart, Pauline Daniels Cary, sisters, Janice Talley and Annette Glover and brothers, Randolph and Earl Cary.

After growing up in Red Oak and finishing Red Oak High School, Joe went to serve his country on active duty in the military as part of the Quartermaster Third Army Division at Fort Lee, Virginia. Returning to the Red Oak community, he became a volunteer fireman for 20 years and was Secretary/Treasurer while on the Board of Directors.

Joe was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount where he was a deacon and a dedicated choir member. He retired from serving Nash County as the Deputy Tax Collector for 30 years.

He was a devoted husband to his wife of 40 years, Rene Bradley Cary, and loving father to his children: Kathy Trierwiler (Scott) and Joey Cary (Amy), his stepchildren: Elizabeth Best and Rob McCormick (Cindy). Surviving are grandchildren: Jake and Cary Trierweiler, Jessica, Meredith and Spencer Cary, Lorena Best and Mary and Anna McCormick and brothers, Jim and Bob Cary.

A memorial service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 2pm at First Baptist Church, officiated by the Reverend William Grisham. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church Music Ministry, 200 South Church Street, Rocky Mount or another charity of one’s choice.

The family expresses their thanks to UNC Nash Hospice and Vidant North Hospital Cancer Center for their compassion, kindness and excellent care.