Joseph Patrick Reaf, Jr.

Joseph Patrick Reaf Jr was born June 16, 1930, in Pt Pleasant NJ. He grew up in Philadelphia, PA, and lived and worked most of his life in Colwyn (Delaware County PA), where he was a hardworking "tree surgeon". Joe was a self-educated man, who loved to read and study. He loved the Lord and taught Sunday School for years and was involved in all the churches he attended. In 2008 he moved to Oak Ridge, North Carolina. In 2022 he made his home at Brookdale Northwest in Greensboro. On March 16, 2025, he moved to his heavenly home, with his Savior, and wife Violet, who preceded him in death after almost 67 years of marriage. Joe leaves behind to cherish his memory, four daughters: Diane McGinnis (Charles), Linda Russell (Art), Sherry Peltz (Dave), Colleen Foley (Dennis); three grandchildren (Matthew, Brian, Lauren and 5 great -grandchildren (Ollie, Paisley, Rory, Blakely, Maverick). He has one living sister, Regina Forba. Joe was proud to be a Korean War Veteran and is a purple-heart recipient. He enjoyed working with flowers, reading, wood crafts, antique cars, and was always willing to lend a hand when help was needed. Anyone who took time to sit and talk with Joe found it obvious he was a man of knowledge and wisdom. Joe proclaimed the following writing from Max Lucado as his "life purpose" - use what you have:

• Moses had a staff.
• David had a sling.
• Samson had a jawbone.
• Rahab had a string.
• Mary had some ointment.
• Aaron had a rod.
• Dorcas had a needle.
• All were used by God.
• 
  

What do you have?..."Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

There will be no public service. If you wish to honor Joe with a memorial gift, send to Union Grove Baptist Church “Missions Fund”: 5424 Union Grove Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310. 

Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.