Roll Call Tribute

Joe Brian Hess 

March 12, 1941 - July 13, 2024 

Joe Brian Hess, 83, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 13, 2024. He was born March 12, 1941, in Watts, OK, to the late John Thomas Hess and Ruth Hodges Hess. Joe had a variety of hobbies, finding joy in reading, painting, woodworking, and singing in the church choir. He attended Tulsa University and travelled with the college choir from Tulsa to New York City performing along the way. Every concert ended with “Oklahoma” and ever after when asked “Joe, where are you from?” He would burst into song. He was a proud graduate of Texas A&M University and travelled the world during his engineering career.

He was very proud of his Cherokee Heritage as well as his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. He and Linda avidly watched the games with Joe wearing his Mean Joe Green official shirt and Terrible Towels at hand.

He adored his family and did everything he could for them. Joe was a kind and loving husband, and a wonderful stepfather and delighted in his grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Linda Hess; sons, D. Michael (Maryann) Lucas and Derek (Holly) Lucas; daughter, Michelle Lucas; nephew, Brian Hess; grandchildren, Jasmine Lucas, Brian Lucas, Matthew (Tiffany) Lucas, Cynthia Lucas, Christopher (Kate) Richmond, Stephen Richmond, Leslie (Matthew) Skirving, and Nicole Lucas; and great-grandchildren, Raven Lucas and Libby Richmond. He is also survived by several cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Hess.

Flowers welcomed or memorials may be made to Wendell United Methodist Church.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Wendell United Methodist Church, 129 N Main St, Wendell, NC 27591.

Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com