Joel Kiger, Sr.

Joel Thomas Kiger, Sr., 82, passed away peacefully and comforted by his loving family at home in King, N.C. on the evening of July 21, 2020.  He was born on January 15, 1938 in Westfield, N.C. and lived most of his life in Pilot Mountain, N.C.  Joel was a man of high integrity with a kind loving heart who didn’t tell his sons how to live; but showed them. His two sons, Joe and Scott, idolized him and are eternally grateful for his love, advice, sense of humor, and keen insight into what’s important in life.  Noah, his grandson, brought unmeasurable joy to his life and Martha, his wife, was the love of his life. He also loved his daughter-in-law, Lori, who was the daughter he never had.  Joel graduated from Oak Ridge Military Academy and started his career playing baseball with the Minnesota Twins organization.  He was a southpaw pitcher and pitched against the likes of Pete Rose and even drew praise from Yogi Berra on his pitching ability.   A lifelong fan of baseball, he coached little league teams for many years.  Later in life, he attended local little league games simply to cheer them on and for the pure joy of the game.  After hanging up his baseball cleats, Joel was a longtime employee and retired from Jefferson Pilot.  He was a member of King Moravian Church.  He found pure joy listening to the choir and would tell his children about the beautiful music he heard every Sunday.  Joel is proceeded in death by his beloved son, Scott Kiger; parents, Omar and Lola Kiger; and his sisters Delores Lefever and Brenda Kiger.   He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Martha Kiger; his son Joel Kiger, Jr. (Lori), and his grandson, Noah.  A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Pilot Mountain Cemetery with Reverend Doctor Neil Routh and Reverend Doug Rights officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to King Moravian Church, 228 W. Dalton Rd, King, N.C.  27021.