Joe Vaughn Hulsey

Joe Vaughn Hulsey, 77, of Metter and husband of Maxine NeSmith Hulsey, died Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at his home.

Joe was born in Statesboro to the late Alonzo Vaughn “A.V.” and Josie Herrington Hulsey.  He worked and lived in Palm Bay, Florida and worked for the Winn Dixie as the store manager for several years before returning to the area over thirty years ago.  Joe was the pastor of Clito Baptist Church for over twenty years and pastor of Pine Grove Baptist Church. Pastor Joe also filled the pulpit in other local churches. Joe, along with his wife, Maxine, owned and operated Jomax Barbeque in Metter where he currently lived.  He loved football, especially the Georgia Bulldogs.  Joe was known for his Christian heart and was a great counsel to many of the people who knew him.  He never met a stranger and would call you “brother” or “sister”.  A shining light in Metter has gone out and Joe will be missed greatly. In his honor, he would want you to “eat more barbecue”.

Joe was preceded in death by two daughters, Jorene Hulsey and Mary Wendi Davis; a son, Joey Hulsey; and two granddaughters, Susannah Maxine Davis and Haley Morea Davis.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Maxine NeSmith Hulsey of Metter; a daughter, Kim Klein of Savannah; a son, Jody Hulsey of Leefield; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Florette Hulsey, Patty and Charles Jones all of Statesboro; a brother and sister-in-law, Charlie and Cindy Hulsey of Brooklet; eight grandchildren , Bethany Woods, Nicole Hulsey, Jeremy Hulsey, Dusty Wilson, Delaney Spence,  Josh Davis, Jaci Wellons and Nathan Davis; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, 2:00 pm at the Clito Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Howard officiating. Interment will be in the Clito Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, 5-7 pm, at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter. Pallbearers will be Lance Holloway, Slayde Holloway, Hubert Gilchrest, Scott Van Horn, Ben Parker and Josh Goodman.

Remembrances may be made to Clito Baptist Church, 10062 Clito Rd., Statesboro, GA 30461 or Southern Care Hospice, 2311 E. First St., Suite B, Vidalia, GA 30474.