Josephus (Joe) Jackson McMichael Jr., 76, of Surf City, NC passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023.

Joe was born on August 17, 1946 in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Josephus Jackson McMichael and Mildred Swain McMichael. He graduated from RJ Reynolds High School and attended Hampden-Sydney College.  Joe entered the US Naval Reserves and in 1968 married Mary Margaret Waters ("Muddy"). Together they began their married life in San Diego, CA and Norfolk, VA where he was stationed.  He and Muddy returned to NC, making their home in Goldsboro, where he commuted to East Carolina University to complete his degree and work in various careers until discovering his love of teaching at Wayne Community College. Joe led the Business and Industry Center and taught for a decade until his retirement.

Joe's dream was to live at the beach. The family built a second home on Topsail Island, where they enjoyed weekends until moving there permanently. Joe treasured his time there, sitting on the porch and chatting with friends and family and reading. Joe was an avid reader of all things printed, enjoying the newspaper and numerous books. However, that peace could always be interrupted for UNC basketball. He shared his Tar Heel enthusiasm with his children and grandchildren who lovingly called him, "Papa."

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Margaret McMichael; son, Jay McMichael; daughter, Lindsay Prickett (Warren); sister, Margaret Casey (Dennis); brother, John McMichael (Ellen Atkins); sister-in-law, Edna Marshall; grandchildren, Ella Prickett and Anna Prickett; nieces, Kate Linder, Sarah Vandergrift (Jon), Melissa Stirewalt, and Amanda Dykeman (Joe); and will also be missed by ten other great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1608 E. Pine Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530 on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 2pm with Reverend Karl Grant officiating. The family will receive friends after the service.

Charitable contributions in memory of Joe McMichael may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church and The Foundation at Wayne Community College (WCC), PO Box 8002, Goldsboro, NC 27533 where a scholarship fund has been founded in his name.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171