Joe Anderson York

Joe York passed away peacefully at home and went to his eternal home in Heaven, with his son and wife by his side, on Monday, September 28, 2026. He was born May 16, 1935, and was 91 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Preston York and Bessie Reynolds York; his infant brother, Edmond York; and his daughter, Sandra York Gantt (Mark).

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 70 years, Irene; his son, Michael York (Lisa); and five grandsons, Jayden Gantt (Elizabeth), Jarrod Gantt (Jenny), Jacob M. Gantt (Haley), Jonathan York (fiancée Ashley), and Matthew York (Amy). He also leaves behind eight great- grandchildren: Dakota York, Connor Reed (Samantha), Wyatt Gantt, Wade Gantt, Colton Gantt, Emma Gantt, Millie Gantt and Jacob A. Gantt.

His father died when Joe was an infant. His mother, Bessie, had the support of nearby family and neighbors, and Joe grew up returning the kindness and love they showed his family. He carried that kindness with him throughout his life, always willing to help anyone in need. He never met a stranger. Joe worked for the JCPenney Distribution Center for 391⁄2 years and farmed part time.

Joe was a lifelong member of Union Grove United Methodist Church. He served as a trustee, a member of the Administrative Board and the building committee. While in good health, he was there whenever the doors were open.

Joe joined the Union Grove Volunteer Fire Department in 1965. He was elected fire chief in 1980. Membership grew under his leadership, as did resources for the department and community support and interest.

Joe was a regular and consistent blood donor through the Red Cross. During his lifetime, he donated 17 gallons and 3 pints of blood. On one occasion, during a church service, Joe was notified that he was needed at the hospital to donate blood for an accident victim. He responded without hesitation.

Joe was a supporter of the local Boy Scouts. He offered his farm for yearly campouts and supported their fundraisers. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 226 and received a 50- year certificate recognizing his membership.

Joe recently celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary with the love of his life, Irene.

His grandsons spent many summers working with Joe on the farm. They are thankful for all the skills he taught them, such as gardening, driving, using farm equipment, fencing, managing livestock, making hay and keeping bees, and especially how to solve problems when you didn’t have the right equipment. They will greatly miss him.

Services will be held at Union Grove United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The family will receive family and friends from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. The service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Union Grove United Methodist Men and Union Grove United Women of Faith in his memory.

Donations may be mailed to: Union Grove United Methodist Church P.O. Box 55 Union Grove, North Carolina 28689.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the York family.