Visitation
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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.
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Please accept our condolences on the passing of Chief Pruett. Chief Pruett made a lasting impact on the officers from the Mooresville Police Department. We pray that your memories will give you comfort during this difficult time.
Joyce and I were very close friends with Joe and Ryma. We spent many joyful days with them both. Our memories are filled with the recollection of those days. Joe and I both served together in Law Enforcement and graduated from college together. I can attest to the compassion Joe had for the communities he served and the courage he possessed to protect others. To Lance, Barbara and the rest of the family, our deepest sympathy.
My sympathy to the family of Joe in their loss. Especially to his sister, Barbara P Biggerstaff.. As a cousin I remember Juanita and Anita also.