Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
WILLISTON - Joe Alexander Gunnells, 84, of Williston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 25, 2026.
A visitation will be held Monday, September 28, 2026, from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Folk Funeral Home in Williston. A graveside service will follow at 4:30 p.m. at Williston Cemetery, with the Reverend Dan Fogle officiating.
Born in Barnwell County, South Carolina, Joe was the son of the late Randolph Gunnells and Ruby Higgs Gunnells. He was married to the late Helen Sheryl Thompson Gunnells, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage until her passing in 2006.
Joe began working at an early age. At just 16 years old, he went to work at the Woolen Mill textile plant, which later became the Milliken plant in Barnwell. While working at Dodgeville in Williston, Joe met Sheryl, and the two were married in 1973. He worked at Dodgeville for two years before joining Thompson’s Body Shop. In 1987, Joe began his career with E.I. DuPont at the Savannah River Site, where he later retired as a Production Supervisor.
Outside of work, Joe enjoyed the simple things in life. He was an avid fisherman who loved spending time on the water, tending to his garden and working in his yard. He was also a devoted sports fan and enjoyed watching all kinds of sports, especially his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks. Joe was a member of Cedar Creek Church in Aiken.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Kym Gainey and her husband, Phil; grandchildren, Summer and Jenna; great-grandchildren, Kaden, Xander, Dallas, and Canyon; brother, Claude (Sandy) Gunnells; sisters, Carolyn (David) Jowers and Peggy Phillips; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Sheryl, Joe was preceded in death by his son, Tony Odom; a grandson, Seth Gainey; brothers, Dawson Gunnells, Laurie Gunnells, Vernon Gunnells and Melvin Gunnells; and sisters, Elizabeth Ann Slater, Shirley Johnson, and Marilyn Shealy.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and caregivers of Gentiva Hospice, especially Jenna, Wendy, Dominique, and the entire staff, for the kindness, compassion, love, and exceptional care shown to Joe and his family during this difficult time.
Folk Funeral Home, Inc. Crematory, Williston, S.C. is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.
