It is with great sadness that I announce the loss of my husband and my best friend Joe Phifer on April 15, 2022, when he succumb  to COPD.  Joe was born January 22, 1949, in Salisbury, North Carolina son of the late Jacob Joseph Phifer and Lucy Prevette Phifer. He was also predeceased by his sister, Trudy Phifer Young.

Joe was the kindest man I have ever known, and it breaks my heart that he is gone. He was my rock, always by my side, there for me in good times and bad. As a Christian I know he is with God now and there will be no more pain for him, although everyone here on earth that knew and loved him will mourn his loss for years to come.

Joe served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and then went on to work in the steel industry for over 51 years, before retiring. He loved his work in the steel industry and had made many many friends over the years as he worked in sales and as a general manager of a steel service center.

Joe loved working in his yard and kept it beautifully manicured. He loved his Tarheel basketball and would always greet someone wearing a Tarheel shirt with two of his favorite words, "Go Heels."

Anyone blessed with knowing Joe, knew what a special person he was with his easy-going manner and happy all the time personality. He loved his family more than anything and cherished his friendships with all his friends.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of almost 36 years Julia Phifer, his daughter Wendy Phifer (Travis Garrett); sons, Will Phifer (Michelle Jeffery), Michael Tucker (Jessica), Cory DeBose; grandchildren, Joey Garrett, Jesse Garrett, Carmen Tucker, and Gaby Tucker.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful nurses and care partners at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, especially RN Vicky, 2 West who Joe and I formed a special bond with during his stay & RN Jarvis, 2 West, RN Joanne 4 West & RN Annalee, 5 East. Everyone was so kind & caring while Joe was hospitalized. Thank you all for taking care for him.

Visitation will be Friday April 22, from 7-8pm at Harrell's Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Caswell Presbyterian Church, 318 W. Church St, Atkinson, NC at 2:00 PM Saturday April 23, 2022 followed by burial at Woodcock Cemetery, Atkinson. Reverend May Craven will officiate.

In lieu of flowers contribution can be made to Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, 222 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322, or Caswell Presbyterian Church, 318 W. Church St, Atkinson, NC 28421