Joel Neill Dellinger of Cherryville, NC left this world surrounded by his wife, Marilyn and sister-in-law, Karen Killam, in the early afternoon of December 14, 2025, after suffering a long illness. He was 83. Joel had battled serious heart disease, kidney issues, and diabetes for many years.

Born and raised in Cherryville during the idyllic 1940’s and 50’s, Joel’s youth was largely shaped as an only child by his devoted and loving parents, Odell and Ruth (Neill) Dellinger. A 1961 graduate of Cherryville High School, Joel married Marilyn Crocker the following September and soon after, enlisted in the Navy. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia for the next four years. His wife, Marilyn, was with him in Norfolk and worked at the Norfolk Naval Air Station for the four years that he was there. While stationed in Norfolk, Joel was deployed to several other locations for months at a time, including Iceland and the Caribbean. Two of Joel’s greatest loves were our country and travelling. His service in the Navy allowed him to serve his country while travelling, a win-win for him. Joel was most proud of being a veteran.

After leaving the Navy, Joel and Marilyn returned to Cherryville and Joel went to work with his dad, Odell, at the Cherryville Foundry Works. After leaving the Foundry, Joel went to work for the Cherryville Carolina Freight Company, in the safety department. Later he worked at Cleveland Federal Bank where he worked until retirement. After retirement, Joel and Marilyn (who had also retired) travelled extensively. When they were 13 and 14, Marilyn’s sister (Karen) and brother (Ray) came to live with them. They were a family, living happily together until Karen and Ray left for college.

Joel was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. He was very active there, serving on the church council for years, until his health deteriorated. He loved the church and considered the members there as extended family.

Joel loved life and started each and every day with a happy and positive attitude, saying every morning that, “it’s a bright and a wonderful day” until his health declined. The last thing that Joel was able to articulate, a couple of days before his death was to thank Marilyn for “being his wife”. This loving comment is bringing her comfort now. Joel leaves behind his wife of 64 years, sister-in-law, Karen and brother-in-law, Bob, and numerous cousins.

Joel’s physical presence will be missed but his spirit will last forever. Rest in peace Joel.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, with Minister Brad Alexander officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM, prior to the service, in the fellowship hall. Interment will take place following the service, in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 100.

Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church – 1203 St Marks Church Rd, Cherryville, NC 28021.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com