Joseph “Joe” Jennings Puett

Joseph “Joe” Jennings Puett, 77, of Morganton, NC, died Friday, October 4, 2024.

Born in Burke County, NC on February 1, 1947, Joe was the son of the late Jennings Carlysle Puett and Juanita Elizabeth Clontz Puett.

He enjoyed fishing, sports, and his blue martin birds. He grew up attending North Morganton United Methodist Church. Joe was a beloved member of the community known for his sense of humor and kindness. As a father he loved coaching and never missed a practice or game. Joe’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, as he leaves behind a lasting impact on those he touched. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him.

Joe was a veteran of the US Air Force. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Gardner Webb and was a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He was the Chief of Police in both Mooresville and Clinton, North Carolina, dedicating his life to faithfully serving those communities.

Joe is survived by his son, Lance Jeffrey Puett and his wife Becky; granddaughters, Casey Elizabeth Waddell, Kelli Waddell Jones, Leslie Ann Brown, Addalyn Grace Puett, and Abigail Hope Puett; great-grandchildren, William Jackson Nealy, Jennings Lee Nealy, Collins Ava Jones and Liam Michael Brown; sister Barbara Biggerstaff; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Ryma Gayle Puett; daughter, Renetta Gayle Puett Waddell; brother, Charles Louis Puett; and sister, Anita Turner.

The graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2024 at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the US Air Force and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.