Joseph Carson Story , Jr.

(Durham, NC) – Joseph (Joe) Story, Jr. passed away on March 25th after a valiant fight to overcome health complications while inpatient at Duke Hospital.

A beloved spouse, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, scoutmaster, captain, friend, and mentor, Joe touched the lives of countless others in his 80 years on earth. Born in Mecklenburg County on January 10, 1944, Joe moved to and grew up in the small community of Mt. Gilead when he was just a small boy. The second oldest child in his family and the only brother to his seven sisters, Joe’s good nature and his mischief knew no bounds. His parents and sisters could always count on him for support, comfort, and of course a good laugh. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph C. Story, Sr. and Phyllis Smith Story, as well as his sisters Patricia Story (Ray), Pam Story (Frieda), and Betsy. He is survived by his younger sisters Phyllis Strider (Robert), Paula Rankin, Tina Livingston, and Tammy Styer (Dave). He is also survived by five nephews, three nieces, and five great-nieces and nephews.

Joe is a 1963 graduate of West Montgomery High School, where he met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 60 years, Doris Blake Story. The two married in Doris’ hometown of Troy, North Carolina. Sixteen months after they were married, Joe spent over a year overseas fighting in the Vietnam war as part of the U.S. Marine Corps. After his military tour, Joe returned home to Doris and, shortly thereafter, began his training to become a wildlife officer – a career that would take Joe and Doris to six different cities across the state of North Carolina before they settled in Drexel to raise their family. In his career as a wildlife officer, Joe rose to the rank of captain before retiring from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission in 1993. During that time, he built lifelong friendships as he supervised, mentored, and shaped the lives of countless young officers across the state.

While Joe took deep pride in his roles within the military and the wildlife commission, no role meant more to him than that of husband to Doris and father to Joseph C. Story, III and Charles Story (Jen). Joe (III) and Charles were his greatest joys. Every free moment Joe had was spent leading their Scout troops, cheering on their little league games, or taking them on countless hikes and camping trips. No matter how long his days were at work, Joe always found extra time and energy to spend with his boys when he got home. He was a steady mentor and supporter, not just for Charles and Joe, but for the hundreds of other boys that he led as a Scout leader for over 36 years. Joe’s adventurous spirit and caring nature knew absolutely no bounds.

Joe’s final and most prized role came almost nine years ago when, in 2015, he was promoted to the role of “Granda” upon the birth of his first beloved granddaughter, Evie. Soon after the arrival of Olivia, their second granddaughter, Joe and Doris moved to Durham to live next door to Charles, Jen, Evie, and Olivia (and furry granddaughter, Nellie). For the next five and a half years, Joe spent every day with his two tiny best friends playing, laughing, and making memories that will last his grandgirls a lifetime.

Visitation will be held at 10:00AM Monday, April 1st at Hope Valley Baptist Church in Durham (6900 Garrett Rd.), with funeral services at 11:00AM and a reception to follow. Graveside services will take place at 4:00PM at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Mt Gilead, NC (569 Liberty Hill Church Rd.).

The Story family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. As we work to keep Joe’s legacy alive for his grandchildren, we are eager to hear more stories about him from those whose lives he has touched over the last 80 years. Please share your stories and/or condolences online: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joe’s name to Hope Valley Baptist Church of Durham NC (Donate) https://onrealm.org/HopeValleyBapti/-/form/give/now , Liberty Hill Baptist Church of Mt Gilead NC, or the charity of your choice.

The Story family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.