Joe Blaine Marion

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Blaine Marion, age 83, on August 17, 2024. He was at his home surrounded by his family. He leaves behind the love of his life for 61 years, Esther Goff Marion; 2 beautiful daughters, Michelle (Tommy) Phelps and April (Mark) Smith; his grandchildren; Rachel Phelps, Lauren Phelps, and Garrett (Tiffany) Bowman; one step granddaughter Logan (Thomas) Thayer; two great grandchildren Grant and Grady Bowman and step great grandchildren Wyatt and Sawyer Thayer; and a special brother-in-law, Rex Goff. 

Joe was born April 11, 1941 to James Raymond Marion and Martha Mozelle Sprinkle Marion in Forsyth County. He grew up on a farm in Surry County. Joe moved to Forsyth County while in high school and graduated in 1959 from Northwest High School. Senior year of school he was chosen “Most Outstanding Young Farmer of Forsyth County” by the local chapter of Future Farmers of America while he was tending rented land in Forsyth County. Farming was in his blood. 

After graduation, Joe was hired by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. He was the youngest finished carpenter hired at that time. While working there, he was also farming his 100-acre farm in Davie County. During this point of his life, he began landscaping.

In the spring of 1964, while still employed by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co, Joe established his own company which is what he has been known by for 60 years, Joe’s Landscaping & Nursery Co. He was working second shift at Reynolds and doing landscaping during the day. He eventually left Reynolds and pursued his dream of owning his own business full time.

His empire was built on long days, hard work and determination. It grew from 7 acres to over 65 acres in the past 60 years. 

If you ever ask Joe what his name was, he would always reply “Landscaping Joe”. Joe never met a stranger and talked to everyone who crossed his path. He loved what he had created and was proud to tell all that he built his business from the ground up, with the help of his wife and daughters. 

Joe has numerous hobbies including a passion for antique tractors. He bought and restored over 40 in his lifetime. His main love was a John Deere 830, he participated in tractor pulling’s all over the state. He pulled from the 1990s to well into the 2000s, winning lots of trophies but mostly “bragging rights”. He also loved restoring antique cars and trucks, everything from A-models to ’63 Galaxies. He was often seen around town and at cruise-ins with his favorite vehicle of the day. 

Traveling was also something he enjoyed with his wife and family. By the time Joe and Esther were married 50 years they had traveled all 50 states together. 

The family would like to thank April Lane, Angie Hall, and Heather Howel for all their love and kindness. We would also like to thank Novant Cancer Center, especially Dr. Timothy Collins, for his guidance and caring spirit during the past few years. 

A private family service will take place at a later date. 

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to, Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Ln. Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or Crisis Control Ministry (Food Pantry), 200 East Tenth St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com