Joe Gatlin

Joseph "Joe" Edward Gatlin, 82, of Asheboro, died Friday, May 8, 2026, at his home.

A funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant Community Church, 2415 Hoover Hill Road, Trinity, with Trellis McDowell and Rev. Bryan Rush officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Joe was born on March 7, 1944 in Randolph County, the son of the late Dempsey Edward Gatlin and Esther Luther Gatlin. He was a graduate of Seagrove High School and was proud to be from the Erect Community. He was formerly employed with Walker Shoes for 40 years where he was a plant manager. He worked for McRae Footwear for 13 years until his retirement.

In his younger years, Joe competed in auto racing at many local tracks, but Caraway Speedway was his home track. He won the 1969 championship at Caraway and 15 additional races that same year, as well as many others. Later on he spent his free time coaching the ladies softball team at B.B. Walker in the Industrial League. During this time, they won a State Championship. His next passion, other than his family, was golf, which followed him into retirement. Joe enjoyed many athletic pursuits, but, by far, his greatest joy was being an amazing husband, father, and Pap. His grandboys were the light of his life.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Brenda Joyce Hunt Gatlin; and brother, Roger Gatlin.

He is survived by his daughters, Duree Auman (Charles) of Seagrove, Corrie Gatlin of the home; sister, Ann Cranford (Tommy) of Asheboro; brothers, Donald Gatlin (Patty) of Seagrove, Mark Gatlin (Wendy) of Seagrove; grandchildren, Cade Auman, Jace Auman, Lawson Barnes, and Tyler Barnes.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, at Mt. Pleasant Community Church, prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.