Joel Leon Greene, age 81 of Shelby, NC passed away November 5, 2022 at Atrium Health Cleveland.

Born in Rutherford County on March 7, 1941 he was the son of the late Emmett Greene and Euzele Petty Greene. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his infant great grandson Christian Harold Greene, his brother, Billy Steve Greene and sister Geraldine Greene Kepley. Joel retired as owner and operator of​ Joel L. Greene Truck Sales of Shelby and spent his working career caring for the families of Cleveland County. He was a member of Ross Grove Baptist Church and loved spending time watching car racing, especially NASCAR.

Joel is survived by his three children, Kim Greene, Chris (Tammy) Greene and Gina Varner, all of Shelby. Also left to cherish his memory are Joel's brothers, Gilbert Greene, Carl (Wanda) Greene, his sister, Barbara (Ron) Ivie, brother-in-law Darius Kepley, grandchildren Christopher (Elizabeth) Greene, Wesley (Haley) Greene, Lindsay (Matt) Cornwell, Jeremy (Sara Beth) Bingham and Will Varner, as well as, 12 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 4:00PM Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Ross Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Marcus McGill officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ross Grove Baptist Church: 1225 Fallston Rd Shelby, NC 28150.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.