Thomas Eugene (Gene) Joines, age 96, of 635 Farmer's Fish Camp Road, Sparta, North Carolina, went to be with Jesus on September 16, 2019.  He was born to Willie and Delia Rutherford Joines on January 30, 1923.  It was through a church service that he met Alma, his wife of 71 years.  They were married on September 18, 1943, in Sparta, North Carolina.  He served in the US Army during WWII.  He was a farmer by trade.

In addition to his spouse and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Cebert Joines, one son William (Billy) Joines, and one great-granddaughter, Jincy Alma Taylor.

He is survived by two daughters and spouses, Gladys and Harold Edwards and Betty and Page Royal both of Sparta, North Carolina; two sons and spouses, Gary Joines of Ennice, North Carolina and Jimmy and Anna Joines of Volney, Virginia; seven grandchildren, James Joines, Jonna Joines, Meeka Taylor, Shirlee Joines, Darrell Edwards, Carol Edwards, and Tom Edwards; ten great-grandchildren, Colby Joines, Cheyenne Joines, Colt Joines, Harley Taylor, Jada Taylor, Magan and Joshua Vaughan, Blake Edwards, Destany Edwards, Alexander Edwards, and Andruw Winebarger; one great-great-granddaughter, Adaline Vaughan; one brother and spouse, David and Cora Joines of Sparta, North Carolina; several nieces and nephews also survive.  He is also survived by a special friend, Jack Schrewsbury.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel in Independence, Virginia.  The family will receive friends one hour preceding the funeral service.  Burial will follow in the Elk Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by by Bruce Wayne Osborne V.F.W. Post 7034.

Memorial contributions may be made to Elk Creek Primitive Church Cemetery Fund c/o Joel Souther 189 Farmer's Fish Camp Road Sparta, North Carolina 28675.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, Virginia is serving the Joines family.