Joseph Lester Wolfe III passed away peacefully at home in Murrells Inlet on February 3, 2020, after a long illness.
He was born in Charlotte on November 13, 1942, the son of Joseph Lester Wolfe, Jr. and Caroline DaVega Wolfe. The family moved to Florence when Joe was five years old. He graduated from McCleneghan High School class of 1960 where he excelled at golf and tennis. He attended Davidson College where he was a member of the tennis team.
After college, he remained an active athlete throughout his life. He was President of City Ice and Fuel Company, a business begun by his grandfather in the 1940s. He later had a lengthy career in the insurance business, serving the needs of the Florence community and beyond. He was known in the business world for his attention to detail, honesty and integrity.
In 1965 he married Carolyn Moss, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. They became the parents of their son Les, who he adored and was so proud of. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Florence with their families.
While they enjoyed traveling, they moved to Murrells Inlet in 2011 and became Members of Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church where they made many new friends. In his leisure time, he had a passion for cycling and excelled at marksmanship.
Joe is survived by his wife Carolyn Moss Wolfe, his son Joseph Lester Wolfe, IV and his wife Anne Pinckney Wolfe; his brother Henry DaVega Wolfe and wife Debbie; his grandchildren Chappel Pinckney Wolfe and William Rutledge Wolfe, and many extended family.
One of Joe’s greatest joys in his life was becoming a grandfather to Chappel and Rutledge and spending time with them.
A graveside service is planned at a later date at Old Orchard Cemetery in Petersburg, TN.
Memorials can be made to Pawley’s Island Presbyterian Church, Florence Presbyterian Church or the charity of one’s choice.
An online guestbook is available at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com
Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is handling arrangements.
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