Joseph "Joe" Harold Wrenn

Joe Wrenn, also known as Papa Joe, 86, of Haw River, NC, passed away, peacefully, September 8, 2025. A 1958 graduate of Altamahaw Ossipee School, Joe was born in Alamance County on June 4, 1939. He was the last living of 13 children.

Joe had a long career in textiles, starting in the 1950s and continuing until his retirement in 2006. He was an avid outdoorsman and farmer, known widely for his prize-winning tomatoes and knowledge of all trees and plants. He loved being outside and spent much of his life working the land. Joe was also a lifelong baseball enthusiast, playing the game until he couldn't, but also coaching for many years, and later enjoying it from the comfort of his home as a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves. When he wasn't tending to his vegetable farm, he could be found spending time with his family, watching and quoting classic westerns, a skill his family and friends will fondly remember.

Joe was the definition of a selfless person. He embodied pure generosity and found joy in helping others, whether by tending his garden to feed a neighbor or going out of his way to assist a neighbor in need. Joe used his time, energy, and resources to uplift and care for those he loved and his community.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Annette Wrenn, his seven children: Barbara Ribelin (Tim), Joey Wrenn (Cynthia), Teresa Dabbs, Jeff Wrenn (Tina), Timmy Wrenn (Sonya), Andy Wrenn (Danielle), and Erin Satterfield (Stephen), sixteen grandchildren: Cheryl Huskey (Chip), Laura Steele (Patrick), James Wrenn, Lori Overman (Brandon), Tyler Wrenn (Katie), Ashley Dabbs, Lindsay Ray (Tommy), Will Wrenn (Brittany), Tabitha Meader (Jake), Mattie Wrenn, Dakota Wrenn, Brooklyn Wrenn, Raeleigh Satterfield, Holden Wrenn, Kalleigh Satterfield, and Memphis Satterfield, and seven great grandchildren: Anthony Huskey, JT Wrenn, Nolan Steele, Truitt Huskey, Elliot Steele, Bodee Ray, and Mason Meader.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Maxie and Ollie Wrenn, granddaughter, Danielle Wrenn, son-in-law, Tony Dabbs, and twelve siblings: Irma Cozart, Norma Price, Wayborn Wrenn, Hubert Wrenn, Daisy Eury, James Wrenn, Doris Ward, Sylvia Smith, Harry Wrenn, Roy Wrenn, Ivan Wrenn, and Lynette Hardy.

We will always remember his love for us. He was a stern man with a heart of gold. He would never admit it, but he loved his cat, Rumor and dog, Kayli. Kayli was his best friend and would follow him around the yard, ride the BushHog with him, then go inside and sit beside him, on the floor, as he ate dinner. Rumor would jump on his back as he picked beans in his garden. Papa Joe loved when his kids and grandkids came over. He was such a champ with the things his grandkids would ask him to do. He would take silly pictures, FaceTime, prank call Gramma, and have some of the best conversations.

The family would like to welcome you to visit from 6-8pm on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Lowe Funeral Home. The service will be held at 11am on Friday, September 12th at Lowe Funeral Home, with a service to follow at Alamance Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Anderson Township Volunteer Fire Department, 225 Baynes Road Burlington, NC 27217.