Joel Edward Autry

On July 6, 1944, Joel Edward Autry was born to Lacy and Mamie Belle Autry, a farming family from Stedman, NC. He was predeceased by his older brother, Bill of Stedman, and is survived by his younger brother, Wayne of Stedman.

Joel is survived by his devoted wife, Louise McLean Autry; three children; and five grandchildren: firstborn Jan Autry Taylor and her son Ryan; second-born Michael Brian Autry and his wife Sonja with daughters Taylor and Shelby; and third-born Alan Holland and his wife Jenny with sons Ethan and Caleb. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Al McLean and wife Paulette, along with their sons Trey (Tanya) and Brandon (Beth). Additional survivors include nephews Craig (Lisa) and Jason (Lisa), as well as nine great-nieces and nephews.

For the past 45 years, Joel and Louise made their home in the Lake Upchurch community on Bayshore Drive, where Joel earned the affectionate title "The Mayor of Bayshore" for his dedication to community needs and his role as a trusted neighbor. After building "The Autry Barn" on Bayshore, it became a beloved gathering place for countless family and community events. Joel was always dreaming up ways to make the barn--and the lake--an even better place to enjoy.

Joel permanently retired in January 2019 from the family business, Hope Mills Ace Hardware, which was founded in 1984. There. he mentored many young men--and a few young women--teaching them the values of punctuality, customer service, and good manners. To Joel, customers were friends, and what he missed most after retiring were those friendships.

His passions included family and friend gatherings at the lake or beach, boating on the lake, tending his yard, scrolling on his phone while listening to Alabama or Elvis Christian music, and "supervising" anyone, anytime. A generous, humorous, and gentle man, Joel was a devoted husband and father who would go to any length to help his family achieve their dreams or overcome challenges.

Joel passed away on August 13, 2025 at Duke University Hospital. A celebration of life will be held on August 17, 2025, at Southview Baptist Church, 4089 Elk Road, Hope Mills. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 3:30 PM. A graveside service will follow at Hope Mills Cemetery on Legion Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southview Baptist Missions Fund in Joel's memory.