Joe Ronald Brawley, 87, of Statesville, N.C., died Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Gordon Hospice House following a brief illness.

He was born in Statesville, N.C., on June 6, 1937, to the late Joseph Mott Brawley and Lois Rary Brawley. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, JoAnn Medlin Brawley; a son, Gary Lewis Coley; a sister, Nancy Brawley Summers; and his stepmother, Lucille Brawley.

Joe served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was a truck driver for many years and earned the One Million Safe Driving Award several times. He enjoyed playing the drums, being at the pool, golfing, dancing, shooting guns and watching Westerns. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and had the best mustache! More than anything else, he loved life and spending his time with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include a son, Daryl Lynn Coley (Maggie); a daughter, Ginger Wansley (Eric); five grandchildren, Joseph Wansley, Ethan Wansley (Emilie), Lindsey Coley, Tarah Coley, and Chris Ratledge; two nieces, Teresa Alexander and Anna Summers; and his best pal, his dog, Bruno.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Parks and Rev. John Acker officiating. The family will visit with friends Monday evening, October 21, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nicholson Funeral Home. Burial will be at the National Cemetery in Salisbury, N.C., on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 11 a.m.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Brawley family.