Joe Brown Shook

Joe Brown Shook, 86, of Morganton, NC, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026.

Born in Burke County, NC on October 11, 1939, he was the son of the late James Clayton Shook and Ruth Duckworth Shook Jordan.

Joe grew up in Glen Alpine and graduated from Glen Alpine High School in 1958, where he played football. He worked as shipping manager for Dana Corporation until they closed and then worked for Belle Farms until he retired.

Mr. Shook loved everything outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, taking care of his chickens, feeding deer, or mowing grass. He was very particular about his yard, and his neighbors said you could set the clock by him at 11 a.m. on Tuesday when he’d crank up his lawnmower.

Joe had a lifelong passion for sports. He continued to follow Glen Alpine sports after his graduation and then Freedom High School sports. He was also a fan of the Green Bay Packers and Duke basketball. His favorite racetracks were Daytona and Talladega, which he and friends traveled to for many years. Joe also loved watching the Atlanta Braves, particularly players Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna, Jr.

Mr. Shook lived on Pea Ridge Road for over 50 years until he was diagnosed with cancer, then he moved in with his sister and brother-in-law in Rutherford College. He developed a special attachment with their dog, Mia, and looked forward to feeding her treats every day.

Joe had a big heart and regularly stated “family is important.” He loved his family tremendously and relished visits with his nieces and nephews.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Wanda Jordan Berry and husband, Earl (who was like a brother to Joe); and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his step-father, Walter W. Jordan; brothers, Jimmy Ray Shook and Frankie Dean Shook; and sisters, Kathleen Shook Walker and Carolyn Shook Peagler.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Sossoman Funeral Home. A celebration of Joe’s life will follow at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Stanley Conger officiating. The family requests that, if possible, anyone attending come dressed in a shirt of your favorite sports team to reflect Joe’s lifelong love of sports.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.