Joseph "Joe" J. Cavenaugh

"If you meet me and forget me, you have lost nothing, but if you meet Jesus Christ and forget him, you have lost EVERYTHING."

Joseph J. Cavenaugh, 85, of Wallace, North Carolina passed from his earthly life to his eternal rest on Monday, August 18, 2025.

He was born on August 20, 1939, in Duplin County, the son of the late Paul M. and Ethel English Cavenaugh.  He was also preceded in death by his great granddaughter Ava Powell; brother Billy Holmes Cavenaugh and son-in-law Ricky Kelley.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 64 years Judy McCoy Cavenaugh; their children Regina Ann Drew and husband Murphy of Magnolia, Karen Faye Powell and husband Charles of Harrells and Teresa Joe Kelley of Wallace; grandchildren Chancey  Drew (Brittany), Carlie Drew (Justin), Kayla Tyndall (Clifton), Anthony Powell  (Samantha), Brandon Kelley (Sarah) and Courtney Hollingsworth (Justin), great grandchildren Caroline Drew, Isla Drew, Hunter Pierce, Payton Tyndall, Jayleigh Tyndall, Wyatt Powell, Isaac Kelley, Lydia Kelley and Everleigh Hollingsworth; sister Annie Elizabeth Lanier of Richmond, Virginia; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Joe dearly.

Joe was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather and brother.  He was a hard worker who always got the job done.  Being an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, riding his air boat, but he especially enjoyed being on his backhoe at the river.  Joe’s life was dedicated to God and providing for his family.  He also knew the importance of prayer as he would pray with his girls every night before going to bed.  Joe’s greatest joy was spreading the gospel by sharing his cards with others.  He loved to see the smiles that came on people’s faces when they read the words.  Joe loved his entire family, but the apples of his eyes were his grandchildren. They could always put a smile to his face and make his day brighter.  Joe was known as “friend” to many and without a doubt, he was a true gift from God.  All who knew him were truly blessed.  Joe will surely be missed but never forgotten.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Reverend Brandon Kelley and Reverend Richie Padrick officiating. 

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Cavenaugh Cemetery, Nc Hwy 41, Wallace, NC.

Casketbearers will be Chancey Drew, Justin Pierce, Anthony Powell, Clifton Tyndall, Justin Hollingsworth and Chris Padrick.

The family would like to give special thanks to caregivers Beverly Bailey and Angela Lee and to nurses Deanne and Shanda, and the staff of ECU Hospice for all the love and great care you gave to Joe during his illness.    

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our Tribute Wall above.   

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life."                John 3:16

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