Joseph Richard Longstreet

Joseph Richard Longstreet, also known fondly as “Joe”, “Joey”, “Papa Joe” and “Panama Joe” went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. 

Joe was born on December 21, 1942, in Bronx, New York to the late Clarence Tuttle and Josephine Longstreet. He grew up in the Bronx and as a teenager moved to Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. Upon graduation from Pompton Lakes High School, he enlisted in the Air Force and hitchhiked to Keesler Air Force base in Biloxi, Mississippi to report to duty. After completing service to his country, he graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and a Minor in Industrial Technology Education and Math. He began his career teaching at Hinds Junior College and just three years ago hung up his hat at Baton Rouge Community College. During his 50 year career he utilized his knowledge of electronics to start his own company and traveled to nearly 30 states as a technical electronics and industry instructor and safety inspector on submarines and for various oil rigs, nuclear power plants, start-ups, shutdowns, decommissionings and commissionings of varying industry’s needs.

As a teenager, “Joey” was invited to Vacation Bible School where he heard the gospel and accepted His free gift of salvation and redeeming love from The Lord Jesus Christ. While in the service in Mississippi, he joined Trinity Bible Church and began his family. He was so thankful of his salvation and that God could love “a sinner like me” that he was emotional each time he shared his testimony. His life truly changed, and he devoted time to study the Bible and prayer. This led him to develop a deep desire to tell others what he found in Christ. He taught youth Sunday School, led adult Bible classes at various churches he attended, and served as an interim youth director. He would drive the church bus to pick up all the children and youth in the neighborhoods to bring them to church. He served as a deacon and a Gideon, and was faithful in donating to organizations that focused on taking the gospel to children abroad. He was an active chaperone on many youth retreats and was known to be the center of the fun. He tutored high school students in mathematics and coached youth softball and once received the “rootin, tootin, fan award” because of his enthusiasm for everything involving youth and children, all the while leading them to Christ. He was even able to contribute to dance moves due to his many years of tap dancing, which he kept a secret. 

He loved sports cars, motorcycles, camping and was known for his unique greeting with a “whisker burn”. One of the greatest joys of his life was spending time with his children, grands and great grands. Traveling the country in his RV as a technical contractor for over 20 years gave him a passion to see the world and all of God’s creation. He continued to be a student of God’s word and a man of prayer. He never wavered from sharing with all he encountered of Christ’s redemptive power and how your mistakes do not define who you are. He loved all people right where they were in life and believed the gospel of salvation and eternal life was for all people from all backgrounds. 

It is with that assurance that his loved ones can grieve with hope, knowing he is healed and in the presence of Jesus Christ his Lord.

He is now reunited with his family and loved ones who went before him.

Joe is survived by his children, Rhonda Stewart (Bill), Ramona Eubanks (Yancy), David Longstreet (Karen), and Renee’ Nelson (Brian); along with his grandchildren, Casey Crawford (Kyle), Will Stewart (Shelby), Alex Stewart (Jessie), Kyle Eubanks (Libby), Austin and Cameron Eubanks, Noah, Levi and Micah Longstreet, Faith and Ty Nelson; and his great grandchildren, Osley and Shep Crawford, William, Layton, Tucker and Beau Stewart; his sister, Rita Longstreet (Fred Hawkes); the mother of his children, Cheryl Westerfield; along with many nephews, nieces and cousins. 

He is predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Josephine Longstreet; his dear granddaughter, Emma Katherine Longstreet; nephew, Jason Morahan; and brother, Larry Longstreet. 

We shall all wait with great anticipation for the day we are reunited with Papa Joe in Heaven.

A celebration of life service will be held on July 9, 2023 at Joe’s favorite place to worship, the Hangar of First Baptist Church Spartanburg at 2pm with visitation at 1:30pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Encouraging Word broadcast, P.O. Box 2110 Spartanburg, SC 29304 or Fire Pit Ranch ministry, P.O. Box 251 Moore, SC 29369.