Billy Joe Joiner, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at his residence. He was born July 8, 1937, in Smithland to William and Gertrude Barnes Joiner.
Although many knew him as Billy Joe, several also knew him by other names, including “Sore Finger”, “Nub”, “BJ”, “Wild Bill”, or “Bill”. If you knew Billy Joe, you knew he was as tough as nails. Being one of 9 children, he learned the importance of hard work at a very young age. He would walk several miles to fetch water, only to return home with a small amount, yet he never let it stop him.
Billy Joe went to work in the coal mines as an operator. His grit, determination, and strong work ethic had always been prevalent, but they showed even brighter when he lost his left hand in an accident at work. He stayed focused and determined, and was able not only to recover but also to learn and adapt to a new way of life. Later in life, when spinal stenosis made walking difficult, he again adapted and continued with life and refused to sit still.
Until the age of 86, Billy Joe spent most of his time at the farm tending to the cattle or cutting hay with his brother, Peewee. Being on the tractor was one of his favorite places to be. During deer season, you could find him in his hunting shack with his heater running, but you could almost guarantee that he wasn’t really looking to bring home a deer. Field dressing was not something he could handle. He truly just loved the countryside and would use any excuse to go and take it all in.
While Billy Joe loved watching cars go in circles for hours during a NASCAR race, he was quick to tell you that he would rather watch paint dry than watch a football game. When he wasn’t watching the race, he almost always had the hunting channel on. However, he preferred to be outside tinkering, trying to fix something, or tending to his tomato plants.
Billy Joe was a man of few words, but you knew that when he spoke, you listened. He either had strong, sound advice, a funny joke, or a story from his life that you almost couldn’t believe to be true. No one ever had to wonder where they stood with him, as he was quick to tell you, and you can bet it was with his crooked pointer finger out in front of him.
Billy Joe is survived by one daughter, Chantell Cline of Gilbertsville; one son, Billy Joe Joiner II (Tonya) of Gilbertsville; three sisters, Carolyn Timmons (Bill) of Clarksville, Wanda Cothran of Gilbertsville, and Juanita Strickland of Smithland; one brother, Pete “Peewee” Joiner (Rosemary) of Gilbertsville; three grandchildren, Courtney Cline, Abigail Hayden (Trevor), Aiden Joiner; his nephew, Rod Joiner, along with several other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mamie Paris; two brothers, W.A. “Dub Joiner, JC Joiner; one infant sibling; nephews, Wade Joiner, Jeffrey Paris, and Tim Doom.
There are no services scheduled at this time.
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