Joel Marvin Shives, 70, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, after a brief battle with congestive heart failure. He was born on April 22, 1954, in Statesville to James Marvin and Shirley Williams Shives.

Joel graduated from South Iredell High School in 1972. He began his early career in construction and later obtained his welding certificate and began his welding career. He was a master of his profession, where he served 30-plus years for Pneu-Mech of Statesville.

Joel was an avid farmer from a very young age. This passion started with his very first pony, which led to many years of showing and breeding horses, raising black angus cows, raising bunnies and chicks, and his special four-legged friend Emmy.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents, and stepson, Freddy Mann.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Beverly Shives; a daughter, April (Elbert) Higgins of Claremont; and a stepdaughter, Melanie (Zach) Bonham of Union Grove. He is adored by 11 grandchildren, their spouses, and 15 great grandchildren who richly blessed his life. Joel has many special friends and family that will miss him greatly.

The family would like to extend our thanks to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center/Heart Failure Transplant Clinic, especially Lauren Eyadiel, PA, and Teresa Messick, Nurse Navigator.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel at 1 p.m. with Pastor Darrell Cox officiating. Burial will follow at Iredell Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends from 12 noon until 1 p.m. prior to the service.

Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.