Joseph Robert Guild, Jr., passed away on December 7, 2024. Born on September 21, 1964, he was the son of Joseph and Lavonne Guild.

Joseph went by many names: Joe, Joey, Uncle Joe, and Uncle Joe Joe. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a friend, and an all-around great man. If you ever met Joe, you never forgot him. Whether it was his quirky ways, his funny sayings, or the kindness he showed, Joe was unforgettable.

Joe's outdoor survival skills were unmatched. When he was physically able, he loved to camp, fish and hunt. He was prepared for any emergency that may arise and did his best to make sure that his loved ones would be prepared as well. If you needed to write under water he had you covered. Starting a fire in the rain was never a challenge and if you were stuck in blizzard with no drinking water, he was your man. Toilet paper during the height of COVID? We knew who to call.

He was skilled in small engine repair and could repair lawn mowers and weed eaters like nobody's business. Joe loved to learn about anything and everything and he loved to share what he learned with you. He was a great conversationalist and could speak at some depth on almost every topic.

Joe was a lover of stuff. At one time Joe was known as the "king of the garbage pile". When he was able, he would drive around and collect items that people had thrown away. He would clean them up and offer them to family and friends and then would take the rest of the stuff to the flea market with a sign that said, "If you don't see it, I don't have it, and you don't need it". He always came home with a smile on his face and money in his pocket. If he found out you needed something, he would give you his and then would go out and buy another for himself. Of course, you never knew he did that until later.

Joe was a lover of family. He always kept in touch with his family, trying to keep the ties that bind close. You never had to wonder if Joe loved you, because he would check on you, make sure you were okay, and then tell you many times before he hung up that he loved you. Joe loved his niece and nephews. But he had a special place in his heart for Brianna, because, in his words "she is the only niece" he had. He was her protector and guardian, always telling her that if a guy ever hit her, he would "take care of him". He then added if a girl ever hit her, that he couldn't hit a girl, but he would "give her a strong talking to ".

Joe was a unique, quirky, funny, intelligent, loyal, lovable man who will truly be missed. We love you Joe. Thank you for making the world a better place.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Lavonne Guild and nephew Justin Stillinger. He is survived by his brother Troy (Lis) Guild, sister, Sandie (Kerry) Stillinger, niece, Brianna Stillinger, nephews, Samuel (Alexis) Guild and Joshua Guild, and many cousins.

Memorials in memory of Joe may be made to the Justin Guild Stillinger Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 5087, Columbia, SC 29250-5087 ( www.scumf.org ) or Mission to the Children, P.O. Box 211322, Bedford, TX 76095 ( https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/missiontothechildren ).

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assiting the family.