Joe Dean Costner, 95, of Green Creek, North Carolina passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025. Joe was born in rural Rutherford County, North Carolina and was the son of the late Joseph Hillman Costner and Minnie Metal Fite Costner.

After high school, Joe served in the United States Navy from 1952-1955. Afterwards, he enrolled at Appalachian State Teachers College (now Appalachian State University) and earned his Bachelor’s Degree. While at Appalachian, he met a lovely classmate, Francine Nolen. In 1957, Joe married Francine, the love of his life, and they settled in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Joe enjoyed a long career with Spartanburg County School District 7 as a teacher and coach at Evans Junior High School and later McCracken Middle School.

Joe and Francine had many happy memories of the years they lived in Spartanburg and summers spent in Boone, NC and Garden City, SC. They enjoyed company of many close friends including those from the school district and Bethel United Methodist Church and Shamrock Dance Club.

In 1998 after retiring from the public schools, the family relocated to the Green Creek community in Polk County, North Carolina. Over the years, Joe loved fox hounds and fox hunting. He enjoyed being outdoors and working on his land with beautiful views and rolling hillside. Soon he became a member of Green Creek First Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife of almost 65 years, Francine Nolen Costner. His two sisters Wanda Robbins (Max) and Willena McKinney (Felix) also preceded him.

Joe is survived by two sons Michael Dean Costner of the home and Richard Houser Costner (Betsey True Costner) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; two grandchildren, Ivey Josette Costner and Grant Badger Costner; and his sister-in-law, Rosalind Welder (Carl Henline) of Lincolnton, North Carolina.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Green Creek First Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials supporting either the Children’s or Feeding the Faith Ministry, may be made to Green Creek First Baptist Church, 534 Coxe Road, Columbus, North Carolina 28722.

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McFarland Funeral Chapel Of Tryon NC is serving the family