He was born in Halifax County, son of the late Charlie L. Whitby and Clovene Overton Whitby.  Joseph was retired from the Paper Mill; he was a veteran of the US Army. He attended the Central Baptist Church for 39 years and also attended Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Preceding Joseph in death were his two brothers, Mickey and Raymond Whitby and a half brother, Vann Tanner.

Surviving are his wife, Elaine Abernathy Whitby, of Roanoke Rapids; two daughters, Lesha Michelle Whitby Jordan (Gene), of Roanoke Rapids, Crystal Elaine Whitby Bennett, of Roanoke Rapids; a half brother, Luther “Boots” Tanner Jr.,of Roanoke Rapids; grandchildren, Mason Hunter Green Jordan, Ashton Victoria Jordan, Jessica Danielle Janine Jordan; one great grandchild, Kingslee Waylon Lloyd Dickens.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, May 21, 2018, in the Chapel of Wrenn, Clarke, & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Bruce Wayne Marshall and Rev. Steven Tondee officiating.

Burial with military honors will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Sunday afternoon, May 20, 2018, from 4:00 until 5:30.

Online condolences may be made to www.wrennclarkehagan.com