Joseph Anderson Hendricks Jr.

Joseph Anderson "Joe" Hendricks Jr., 93, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away peacefully in 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Cumberland, Virginia, in 1932, Joe lived a full and meaningful life marked by service, devotion, and love. After serving his country proudly in the U.S. Navy, he went on to work as a Virginia State Trooper before spending the greatest portion of his career with the State Fire Marshal's Office. Through his work and his life, Joe was known for his steadfast integrity, sense of duty, and genuine care for others.
Joe's heart for service extended far beyond his career. He was always busy-tackling projects around the house, helping neighbors, or doing something thoughtful for his children and grandchildren. Patient, steady, and dependable, he approached everything he did with care and purpose. He had a rare combination of gifts: the mind of an engineer and the soul of an artist. He possessed a sharp intellect and logical mind, yet also a creative and expressive spirit. Whether repairing something, designing a solution, or crafting a piece of art, Joe's skill, curiosity, and excellent work ethic shone through.
He had a natural gift for recognizing the best in people and nurturing those qualities, making everyone who knew him feel valued and special. Joe was wise and insightful, often offering quiet guidance and perspective that came from a lifetime of observation, patience, and understanding. He made others believe in themselves-instilling confidence and encouraging them to pursue their goals, even when they doubted their own abilities. He believed deeply in fostering strong character, honesty, and compassion in his family, and led by quiet, steady example. His kindness was gentle but powerful-he lifted others up simply by being himself.
Joe also loved the outdoors and found peace and joy in being surrounded by nature. He especially loved the water-swimming, fishing, or skipping rocks at Carvins Cove. Whether tending to his yard, working with his hands, or enjoying a quiet moment by the water, Joe found happiness in life's simple beauty. His appreciation for the natural world reflected his thoughtful and grounded spirit.
He will also be remembered for his playful side and wonderful sense of humor. Joe had a knack for making others laugh, and one of his favorite things to do was to embarrass his daughters by dressing in silly outfits just to get a reaction. His mischievous grin and joyful spirit filled every room he entered. He was a great sport who loved to laugh, play jokes, and make everyday moments memorable.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Irene; daughters, Sheron Smith (Joe), Sonya Cline (Mike), and Sabrina Quesenberry (Pat); grandchildren, Brandon Hornby (Julia), Brent Jones (Alexis), Marta Pacheco (Ryan), Joel Quesenberry, and Aubrey Quesenberry; and great-grandchildren, Reacie Hornby, Travis Jones, Wesley Pacheco, and Skylar Pacheco. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly.
Joe will be remembered for his strong moral compass, sharp intellect, creative spirit, patience, and humor. His joy was infectious, his laughter unforgettable, and his love for his family unshakable.
Those who were blessed to know him will carry with them not just fond memories, but the lessons he quietly taught-about kindness, humility, confidence, and putting others first. His example will continue to inspire the generations that follow.
The family will receive friends at 12:00 p.m. on November 5, followed by a chapel service at 1:00 p.m., both at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019. Interment will follow at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens.