Joe Albert Hartsell, 97, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Atrium Health Cleveland Hospital. Born in Cabarrus County on July 22, 1929, he was the son of the late Walter Calvin Hartsell and Odessa Barbee Hartsell.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Mary Crowley Hartsell; his son, Eric Carl Hartsell; his first wife, Beth Zimmerman Hartsell; his sister, Helen Hartsell Gray; his infant twin children, Fred and Mary; and several loving nieces and nephews.

Joe proudly served in the Army National Guard and the United States Navy. He worked at Fiber Industries in Shelby for most of his working career. He was a man who enjoyed staying busy, learning new things, and sharing what he knew with others.

Joe had a strong commitment to helping young people. He was a longtime Boy Scout leader and took great pride in helping guide and encourage young people through Scouting. He also trained other Boy Scout leaders, passing along his knowledge and experience to those who would continue that work. His dedication to Scouting was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award, one of Scouting's highest honors for adult volunteers, presented for distinguished service to youth and the Scouting program.

Joe was also passionate about scuba diving. He was a scuba diving instructor for many years and founded the Shelby Skin and Scuba, sharing his love of the sport and the outdoors with others.

He was a longtime member of Northside Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and was involved with several church committees. His church and his service to others were an important part of his life.

Joe had many interests and hobbies that kept him curious throughout his life. He was an avid rock collector and enjoyed spending time panning for gold. In his later years, he found great enjoyment in refinishing furniture for family and friends. He enjoyed taking something old and giving it new life, often using his skills to make something special for someone he cared about.

Joe also believed in setting goals and seeing them through. At the age of 70, he decided he wanted to earn his pilot's license. Rather than simply talking about it, he went back to school, completed the necessary training, and accomplished his goal. His determination to continue learning and trying new things was a reflection of the way he lived his life. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his daughters, Joyce Hartsell Hensley and husband Billy, and Jackie Crawley; his sons, Steve Crawley and David Crawley and wife Carolyn; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

To celebrate Joe's life, funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, September 13, 2026, in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Matthew Sparks officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Sunset Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Navy.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Hartsell family.