Joe Jackson Gulley

Joe Jackson Gulley, age 70, was born in Prescott, Arkansas on January 7, 1942, and passed away suddenly but peacefully on March 29, 2012. He spent most of his life in Reader, Chidester and Camden, Arkansas, but lived the last six years in Conroe, Texas at Carriage Inn. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ewell and Polly Gulley. He is survived by his loving sister Harriet (Gulley) Kerr, brother-in-Law Bob Kerr and wife Trish, nephew, Bobby Kerr and wife Kim and their son Colton, nephew, Mickey Kerr and wife Dee, great-niece, Courtney Kerr and great-nephew Mickey Kerr Jr. Joe attended High School in Chidester and lived on White Oak Lake for many years. He retired from 13 years of employment with International Paper Company in Gurdon in 2000. He had various other employers before that time. His residence was in Camden before moving to Conroe to be near his sister and other family members after his mother passed away. Joe was a very special person with a child-like innocence which endeared him to all who knew him. He lived in a world he didn't fully comprehend but even though his world was small, he was very passionate about the things that were important to him. He never met a stranger and telling someone about his latest event or interest was something he did with much joy and enthusiasm. He loved his family, his many friends and the staff at Carriage Inn and all the many activities there. He particularly loved bingo, arts and crafts, spelling bee and his favorite of all, Wii bowling. He took great pride in the fact that he had been on the championship team of the Wii bowling tournament and had also bowled the highest individual score. He had on several occasions, bowled a perfect game and loved showing his trophies to any and all who showed the slightest interest. One of his other great loves was country music, mostly the legends. Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, George Jones and Elvis were among his favorites and he could sing along and knew all the words to every song. He enjoyed a trip to Graceland where he collected lots of Elvis memorabilia. He treasured his Elvis coin collection which represented every movie he ever made. Joe traveled to Galveston and Kemah, Moody Gardens, NASA, Blue Bell Creamery, Houston Zoo, and much of the Museum District as well as many other places with his Carriage Inn family. Stopping for lunch someplace was always a highlight of the trip. He also traveled with family to Branson, San Antonio and Las Vegas where he took his first plane ride and where much to his delight was able to see Elvis on every street corner. Cruises to anywhere were something he especially loved. There was always the prized T-shirt to bring home and add to his collection of many. Friends and family had a wonderful time celebrating Joe's 70th birthday in January at Incredible Pizza where he was thrilled by the excitement of all the games and prizes. The party theme was "Elvis," of course. Seeing him experience such happiness and joy was something we will remember and cherish always. Celebrating holidays as well as other occasions was so special for him. In the summer he loved riding the jet ski on Lake Conroe with his nephews. Of course the most fun for him was relating it to his captive audience at any given time. He had a wonderful hearty laugh and very broad smile and a personality to win the hearts of all who knew him. We will miss him more than words can say. The family wishes to thank the kind, caring staff at Carriage Inn for making Joe's last years there truly a home that he never wanted to be far away from. A very special thanks also to Heather and Comfort Keepers. Joe will be returned to his beloved Arkansas to rest beside his many relatives and friends and eternally into the arms of God. You are invited to leave a memorial condolence to his family on our website at www.shmfh.com. Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, Montgomery, Texas. 936-597-7300.