George R Joseph Jr.

George Richa Joseph, Jr., age 87, of Denim Drive, Erwin, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026 at home.

There will be a Rosary at Dunn Funeral Home, Erwin, and visitation will be from 6 to 8pm. The funeral mass will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dunn on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Erwin Memorial Park Cemetery at S. 18th Street in Erwin.

George, Jr. was born in Harnett County on Aug. 8, 1938 to the late George Joseph, Sr. and Elizabeth Joseph.

Leaving behind his wife of 42 years, Sallie Ann Joseph of the home, he is also survived by his three children, Tracie Johnson (Jim) of Benson, Sue Joseph of Dunn, and Michael Joseph (Cortney) of Charlotte. George has five grandchildren, Brandon Johnson (Alesia), James Johnson (Hannah), Joseph Johnson (Emmy). His great-grandchildren are Brandelin Johnson, Brantley Johnson, and James Johnson, IV. George also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Sandra Joseph, and several beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Louis Joseph.

In high school he worked after school and summers in his parent's business which was established in Erwin in 1951. He attended Campbell College and in 1958 began working full time at "the store" (Joseph's Department Store). George, along with his brother, Louis, carried on their parent's business until he retired and the business closed in 2006. George, Jr., not being happy with retirement, opened Joseph's Men's Store in April, 2007 and served the community at the new store until his second retirement in 2014.

George was a life-long and truly devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dunn. For decades, he and his brother, Louis, were weekly ushers. During his 87 years of membership, he served in several positions. He was a member of the Parish Council as well as past chairman of the Finance Committee. Above all, his love of Jesus Christ was important to him.

George loved his country as evidenced by his service of 7 years in the NC National Guard. He was extremely proud of his Lebanese nationality and heritage. His civic dedication and service was marked by an unwavering commitment to the town of Erwin. Throughout his life, his community service was distinguished by his long-standing involvement as a town commissioner and the Erwin Area Chamber of Commerce where he served at least three terms as president. His love for Erwin and his dedication to the betterment of the town was recognized as he was awarded Chamber Man of the Year, Barbara Norris Memorial Award, and the Town of Erwin Outstanding Leadership Service Award. George proudly served as director of the Erwin Christmas Parade for 20 years. Following in his father's footsteps, he was elected mayor of Erwin and was honored to have served two terms.

George's passion for helping others was most demonstrated in his 67 years of loyalty to the Erwin Lion's Club, serving as the president of the club, and having more than 41 years of perfect attendance, his contributions were recognized with numerous accolades. Those included, Lion of the Year, District Lion of the Year, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the Governors Appreciation Award, and the Lifetime Member of the Lions International Club for over 60 years of service. His leadership roles extended to roles as treasurer, secretary, Deputy District Governor, and Eye Bank Chairman.

His commitment to education and local schools was demonstrated as he served as president of PTA of Gentry and Erwin Elementary schools. He organized and was the first president of the Erwin High School Athletic Booster Club. For 20 years, George operated the clock at Erwin High football games and did so for 15 years at Triton High School where he also served on the Advisory board.

His community service extended to other areas as well. He served on the Board of Directors for First Federal Bank and on the Harnett County Economic Development Committee.

As busy as he was with his civic duties, George truly enjoyed himself when he was playing a round of golf, playing cards with his friends, watching his grandchildren play ball, playing a game of checkers, and of course, watching "his" Duke Blue Devils play ball!

Above all else, he was the happiest when surrounded by his family. George was sure to let his family know how proud he was of any accomplishments they had achieved. He would gladly announce that "all was good" when he had his family at home. His love for his family and their presence was what made life good!

Memorials may be made to: The Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the Erwin Lions Club

Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin is honored to serve the family of George R. Joseph Jr.