Joel "Joey" Hayden Whitsel, Jr.

Joel “Joey” Hayden Whitsel Jr., age 59, of Joanna, passed away, Sunday, July 19, 2026 at his home.

Born October 8, 1966 in Newberry, SC, he is the son of Donna Force Price and the late Joel Hayden Whitsel, Sr. Joey dedicated the past 13 years of his career to Asten Johnson, where he worked as a Maintenance Electrician. He was respected not only for his exceptional skill and work ethic but also for his willingness to mentor those around him. He believed in seeing every job through to completion and took great pride in doing things the right way. A lifelong learner, Joey loved solving problems and was determined to master anything he set his mind to. If there was ever something he couldn’t fix, it simply meant he hadn’t figured it out yet.

In his off time he loved to fish, especially the Enoree river alongside his son, Trey. He loved to grill and experiment with recipes in the kitchen, and playing pool was his passion, one of his favorite memories was having the opportunity to play at Griff’s pool hall in Las Vegas.

Joey was quick witted, a first call for many, full of wisdom and one-liners, and almost guaranteed to give you a nickname. Above all else, Joey’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted father who loved his children unconditionally and treasured every moment with his grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Grady” and “Bro Pa.” Being their grandfather was one of the greatest blessings of his life.

In addition to his mother, Joey is survived by his children, Morgan Whitsel Weigand (Brandon) of San Diego, CA., Joel “Trey” Hayden Whitsel III (Madelyn) of Gaffney, SC; his brother, Charles Whitsel of Clinton; three grandchildren, Colter Wallace Weigand, Marigold Rae Whitsel and Charlotte “Lottie” West Weigand.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Pinelawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel with Mr. Buddy Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in the cemetery.

Visitation will be held the evening of Friday, July 24, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Gray Funeral Home of Clinton.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com.

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Whitsel family with services.