Rock Hill, SC – Mr. Joseph (Joe) Bumgarner Sr., 81, passed away on July 13, 2023 at Atrium Health Pineville.
Joe was born August 11, 1941 in Jackson County, NC to Ernest Coy Bumgarner and Bessie Lee Turner Bumgarner. He graduated from Glenville High School and moved to Rock Hill in 1962. He worked at Celanese Fibers in various positions for 29 years before retiring as a Safety Supervisor. While working at Celanese he served on the Fire Brigade.
Joe was a follower and servant of Jesus and he was a faithful member of Catawba Baptist Church for 55 years. At Catawba, Joe served as a deacon, went on mission trips, was a teacher and served on many different committees. He devoted most of his time to service to others. He served as a volunteer fireman at Lesslie Fire Department and was a member of the Rock Hill Rescue Squad. He enjoyed dirt track racing, hunting and fishing. In retirement, Joe volunteered in various nursing homes, where he faithfully visited the residents and provided encouragement. He loved to invite people to church, shared the love of Christ, spent time with his wife, children and grandchildren who were very important to him. His legacy of love and compassion for others lives on through his family and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Ray Bumgarner. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cheryl Pope Bumgarner; his sons, Joe Bumgarner Jr. and Wayne (Shelly) Bumgarner; and daughter, Kerri (Tad) Hiley; grandchildren, Anna Bumgarner, Kayla Bumgarner, David Abney, Rudy Bumgarner, Courtney Bumgarner, Jonathan (Rachel) Hiley, Abigail (Max) Hockenberry, and Lauren Hiley; and great grandchild, Eliza Hiley; and his brother, Calvin (Becky) Bumgarner.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 -11:45 am on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Catawba Baptist Church, 1450 S. Anderson Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29730. A celebration of life will be at 12:00 pm at Catawba Baptist Church. Burial will be at the church cemetery immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to Catawba Baptist Church/ Food Closet, 1450 S. Anderson Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29730.