Joe McCoy McFee, 84, of Burnsville died on March 4, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and three brothers. Joe will be remembered by his wife, Barbara Tweed McFee, and children, Stephanie Frady (Joe), David (Brenda), and Derrick. Also surviving are his granddaughters, Brianne McFee Burleson (Trenton) and Caroline McFee, a great granddaughter, Blaire Burleson, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Joe was born in Buncombe County, NC, on April 16, 1941, to the late Lennie and Ida Mae Jackson McFee. He was raised on the family farm located on McFee Road in the Beaverdam community. In 1963, he started his career of 37 years with the NC Wildlife Resource Commission serving in Transylvania, Graham, and Yancey counties. Notably, in this capacity, he assisted with the statewide North Carolina turkey restoration project. Joe's work with this project was featured in a 1992 National Geographic magazine. Joe enjoyed serving his community. He was a 40-year charter member of West Yancey Fire Department and served as president of the organization for 10 years. During his lifetime, Joe was also an officer in the Lions Club and various church organizations. He was a member of Middle Fork Baptist Church.

Joe had a great sense of humor along with a kind, loving, and gentle spirit. He loved the outdoors and immensely enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with his family and friends. His steadfast presence will be greatly missed by all.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Tabitha Mathis, Rhoda Riddle, and Compassionate Care WNC for their care and support for Joe and his family.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on March 13th in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service in Mars Hill. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Pastor Nelson Ponder will officiate. A private family burial will be in the Gabriel's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Middle Fork Baptist Church, PO BOX 1509, Mars Hill, NC 28754 or Compassionate Care WNC, 856 George's Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.