Mr. Joel Killingsworth, age 86 of Fayette, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at his residence.
There will be a private graveside service for family only.
He was preceded in death by parents, Carlos Edward Killingsworth and Flaudie Duke Killingsworth, and his brothers, Jerry Duke Killingsworth, and William Timothy Killingsworth.
Survivors include his wife, Shelby Jean Killingsworth; sons, Kevin Edward Killingsworth (Lanise), Kim Wade Killingsworth (Laura), Jason Keith Killingsworth (Staci); grandchildren, Carl Edward (Shuk) Killingsworth, Amanda Kate Starr (Wade), Nathan Richmond Killingsworth (Chelsea), Jeremy Clinton Killingsworth (Jessica), Caelan O'Neal Killingsworth, and Nash Reed Killingsworth; great-grandchildren, Thomas Lucian Killingsworth, Ella Taylor Killingsworth, Jaxon Dale Killingsworth, Jacelynn Reign Killingsworth, Juliet Serenity Killingsworth, and Beau Thomas Starr.
Joel grew up in Fayette, working at Killingsworth Gin and attending Fayette County Schools. Joel joined the United States Department of the Navy on January 27, 1953, performing 20 years, 11 months, and 17 days of dedicated service in active or reserve duty. At the time of his military retirement, Commander Killingsworth was assigned to the Civil Engineer Corps in the Naval Reserve (USNR). Joel married his high school sweetheart, Miss Shelby Jean Hubbert on the 18th day of June, 1953, enjoying a 67 year love affair with her. Joel was admitted to Auburn University on June 11th , 1956, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Building (Structural) Technology. Joel's career spanned over thirty years working in structural design, mechanical design, systems design, steel detailing and field engineering in industrial projects and bulk materials handling projects. Among others, he worked for Great Lakes Carbon Company, Robbins-Engineers, Continental Conveyor, Fulgham Industries, Inc., and Vulcan Engineering Company.
Joel was a life long and faithful member of the Church of Christ, teaching Sunday School with enthusiasm and diligent preparation. He was active in community programs; Boy Scouts of America, American Legion, Little League, and the Cattelman's Association. Joel was a part time instructor at Brewer (Bevill) State Junior College in Fayette. In retirement, Joel and Shelby Jean enjoyed traveling, listening to music, and watching westerns together.
Honorary pallbearers are, grandson Nathan Killingsworth, and brother's in law; James Hubbert, Macky Hubbert, and Larry Dean Hubbert.
Active pallbearers will be, Carl Killingsworth, Nathan Killingsworth, JC Killingsworth, Caelan Killingsworth, Amanda Killingsworth Starr, and Danny Joe Rainwater.
Donations to the Mount Vernon Cemetery Association, (3990 County Road 35, Fayette, AL) or the Fayette Church of Christ, (809 2nd Ave NE Fayette, AL) may be made in lieu of flowers.
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