Joseph Shaw

JONESBORO - Joseph Kent Shaw, 66, of Jonesboro, died peacefully at his home Thursday, July 10, 2025. Born in San Diego, Calif., he was raised in Pembroke, Kentucky and was a 1975 graduate of Hopkinsville High School.

Following high school he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business from Murray State University in Murray, Ky. Kent began his career in agriculture with Southern States Cooperative and later joined Mid-South Ag Inc. in Byhalia, Miss. He was recognized as the top salesman in the country for 2 years and advanced to the position of general manager. In 2011, he was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel. The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. It is a recognition of an individual's noteworthy accomplishments and service to his community, state, and nation. He had lived most of his life in Kentucky but had also spent several years in Olive Branch, Miss., and Hot Springs.

Kent was a member of the Piney Grove Church in Hot Springs and had attended Central Baptist Church since moving to Jonesboro three years ago. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph M. Shaw.

Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Vivian Butler Smith Shaw of the home, his mother, Nancy Shaw of Hopkinsville, Ky., three sons, Danny Shaw (Erin) of Madisonville, Ky., Jeremy Smith (Coral) of Lake City, and Jamison Smith of Jonesboro, two daughters, Courtney Newman (Justin) of Omaha, Neb., and Lauryn Qualls (Garrett) of Lake City, one brother, Andrew Shaw (Remi) of Pembroke, Ky., two sisters, Lori Moriarity (Doug) of Tampa, Fla., and Jennifer Griffiths (Matt) of Tampa, Fla.

Kent also leaves his grandchildren; Mason, Owen, Westin, Ethan, Grady, Eli, Joe, Molly, Kate, Ellie, and Butler and his beloved mini golden doodle, Penny.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 16, at 1 p.m., at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila. The family will receive visitors Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m., and will also receive friends Wednesday, from 12 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Kent's grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family prefers any memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society-Harrah's Hope Lodge, 718 Union Ave., Memphis, Tenn., 38103.

Online registry: www. howardfuneralservice.com