LTC Joseph M. (Joe) Gilreath (Ret.), 89, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at Pardee Hospital. He was the son of the late Margaret Gilreath of Mills River. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Polly, and his brother Jim. He is survived by his wife Mary E. Gilreath; daughter Terry; sons, Buck and Toby and his wife Arden; and sister Mildred.
A native of Henderson County, he attended Hendersonville High School and received a football scholarship to Furman University where he also participated in track and basketball. While at Furman, he served as Cadet Commander of the ROTC, receiving a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and twenty-two years later, retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Joe was employed with General Electric for 35 years.
He officiated High School and College basketball, football, and volleyball for 32 years and observed officials for the ACC, SOCON, Big South, and SAC 8 for the last 16 years. He joined Mills river Presbyterian Church in 1943, serving several terms as a deacon and elder. Joe also worked on the building and grounds committee.
Joe volunteered at the Hendersonville Historic Johnson Farm for 14 years, and with Habitat for Humanity, serving as a board member and chairman of the building committee for 11 years.
His infectious smile will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially his family.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at two o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, December 11, 2020, at Mills River Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Burial
2:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Mills River Presbyterian Church - Directions
10 Presbyterian Church Road
Mills River, NC 28759
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