Joseph E. ‘Joe’ Shue

Joe was born on Sept. 14,1940, in Valley Bend, West Virginia, to the late Earl W. and Lereta E. (Morrison) Shue.

He was preceded in death by both parents; sisters, Wanda L. Boyd and Linda Cain; brother, Wilbert Randall “Randy” Shue of Alabama; and grandson, Aaron Michael Gibson of Bridgeport, West Virginia.

He is survived by his loving wife, Wilma J. (Cross) Shue of Elkins; brother, John G. Shue of Georgia; daughters, Debra D. Kerr of Bridgeport, West Virginia, Delinda D. Cooper and husband, Douglas, of Elkins, West Virginia, and Crystal M. Shue of Concord, North Carolina.

Left to carry on his legacy are his grandchildren, Noah B. Gibson of Bridgeport, West Virginia, Sarah D. Cooper of Bamberg, Germany, and Jacob E. Cooper or Elkins, West Virginia, of whom he was immensely proud.

Additionally, his memory will live on through his beloved great-grandchildren, Mia E., Isayah B. and Ayla M. Gibson of Bridgeport, West Virginia.

He was also loved by several cousins, nieces, nephews and special sons, Tom and Chris Martin.

After graduating from Beverly High School in 1958, he bravely chose to serve his country in the United States Army and was stationed at White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico. While there, he and wife, Carol, welcomed daughter, Debra. After an honorable discharge from the Army, the family moved back to Elkins, West Virginia, where they welcomed their second daughter, Delinda. Being blessed with the gift of gab and ability to never meet a stranger, Joe worked in several positions where those skills were best utilized. He successfully transitioned into the field of drafting and worked at LabCraft of Beverly, as well as in Jamestown, NY. Upon moving back to Elkins, he operated the Elkins Bowling Center, then began working as a salesperson for Tom’s Distributing Company, where his sales route led him to meet his current wife of almost 54 years, Wilma. They were married in Belington, West Virginia, on May 29, 1971, and welcomed daughter, Crystal M. Shue, in October of 1976. Before retirement, Joe owned his own distributing company, J and S Sales for several years. Not one to sit still, he worked part-time at Youth Health Services, Elkins Senior Center and Appalachian Mental Health as a driver after retirement.

Joe was a Methodist by faith and attended Wayside and Otterbein United Methodist Church. His service in the church included lay speaker, Sunday School teacher and the Son Shine puppet ministry. His true passion was music, which was evident by his membership in several bands through the years. He was a skilled fiddle, guitar and bass player and looked forward to his time with friends at Pickin’ in the Park each week, as well at the Augusta Heritage Festival each year. He was an avid sports fan and loved his Steelers and Mountaineers. You could always find him at his grandchildren’s games, cheering on the Elkins Tigers on Friday nights, or at the Elkins Raceway on Saturday nights.

Joe bravely and without complaint faced several health challenges later in life. His positive attitude and resilience are another example of his faith in God. He lived a full and meaningful life, leaving everyone who knew him with memories that will live on. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, from the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Julie Davis and Rev. Fred Bird officiating. Presentation of the American Flag will be made by members of the West Virginia National Guard Honor Guard Program.

Mr. Shue’s request for cremation will then be honored.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 1100 South Davis Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241 or to Augusta Heritage Center, 21 Third Street, Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of Joe.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Joseph E. “Joe” Shue.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.