Joe Henry “Papa Joe” Spires, 103, of Campbellsville, KY passed away Monday, October 14, 2024 at Bluegrass Way Senior Living in Campbellsville. He was born on November 29, 1920 in Knifley, KY to the late Ancil H. and Martha Elizabeth Mings Spires.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wives: Betty Jean Morgan Spires and Gladys Reece Spires; two daughters: Gueta Burton and Kathy Sexton; a grandson, Tyler Jessee; and eight siblings: Junior B. Spires, Beatrice Phipps, William Spires, Robert Spires, Clifton Spires, Lillian Burton, Francis Hancock, and Ivan Spires.

Mr. Spires was a member of the Kellyville Community Church and a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army. He was baptized at the age of 78 and loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mr. Spires became “Papa Joe” 60 years ago when his first grandson was born and has been known by most of the community as that ever since. He enjoyed traveling all over the United States and especially locally to all the small country stores visiting and telling stories.

SURVIVORS:

4 children: Donnie Spires (Wanda) of Campbellsville, KY, Roger Spires of Columbia, KY, Judy Burton (Randall) of Columbia, KY, and Ann Jessee of Bowling Green, KY

Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren

1 sister: Imogene Giles of Knifley, KY

2 sons-in-law: Phillip Burton of Glasgow, KY and Jimmy Sexton of Bowling Green, KY

Several nieces, nephews, friends & other relatives

Funeral Service: Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 2:00pmCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in Columbia 

Burial: Roley Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 6097

Visitation: After 10:00amCT on Thursday at the funeral home

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.