Joel Townsend

Joel Walden Townsend, 81, of Pisgah Forest, NC, died January 30, 2016. He passed away in Asheville, NC following a brief illness. He was born on April 1, 1934 in Columbia, SC, son of Joel Davis and Mary Ruth Walden Townsend. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his first wife Susan Kirk Palmer Townsend and his beloved son, Joel Walden Townsend, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Janie Lee Robinson Banks Townsend of the home, his only sister, Mary Ann Townsend (Euel) Shelley of Nichols, SC, his daughter, Susan Palmer Townsend Rogers of Greer, SC, six grandchildren, Joel, Gabe, Carolyn, Ruth, Ridge, and Dinah, and three nieces, Beth, Linda and Charlotte.

Joel graduated from Dreher High School in Columbia, SC and was a member of the Dark Horsemen. He spent two years in Germany serving in the United States Army. He obtained a BA from the University of SC and completed the Executive Program of Professional Management Education at the University of NC. The majority of his career was with Olin Industries/Ecusta Paper Corporation, where he rose to the position of Executive Vice President of International Sales. Joel was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends, hunting, fishing and reminiscing. He was a benefactor to many charities and individuals. He has been a member of St. Philips Episcopal Church of Brevard, NC for almost 60 years, where he was a lay reader, senior warden, Sunday school teacher, Vestry member, and generous supporter.

Memorial services are scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 2:00pm at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Brevard. Burial at St. Paul's in the Valley will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Clemson University Foundation for ClemsonLife, P.O. Box 1889 Clemson SC 29633, in honor of Joel's granddaughter, Hope Banks.

To leave a condolence for the family of Joel Townsend, please visit "obituaries" at www.moore-fh.com . Moore Funeral Home & Cremation Services is serving the family.