Joe Rivers

Joel Louis "Joe" Rivers, Jr., age 72, passed away Monday morning, November 6, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Funeral services for Joe will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Batesville First Methodist Church with the interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening, November 9, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home. 

Joe was born in Lambert, MS on May 30, 1951, to the late Joel Louis Rivers, Sr. and Jennie Mae Shelton Rivers. For over 30 years, he worked as a construction inspector for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After working for the Corps, he owned and operated Neail’s Package Store for 15 years. All his life, he enjoyed playing golf and was an accomplished amateur, participating in and winning tournaments across North Mississippi. Joe was passionate about his beloved Rebels and enjoyed watching all Ole Miss sports, especially football and baseball. In his retirement, he was a “tinkerer” who loved crappie fishing, woodworking, cooking, and gardening, amongst other pursuits. More than anything, Joe loved his family and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren excel in school, in sports, and in life. He overindulged everyone he knew through his immeasurable generosity. He was a loving son, a devoted husband, and a proud father and grandfather.  He was a member of the Batesville First Methodist Church. 

The family he leaves behind to cherish his memory includes his wife, Nettie Taylor Rivers of Batesville, MS; three sons, Brett Rivers (Corie) of Hernando, MS; Joel Rivers (Amy) of Batesville, MS; and Taylor Rivers (Rebecca) of Batesville, MS; and 7 grandchildren: Sonni Smith, Reed Rivers, Mac Rivers, Ella Rivers, Meg Rivers, Sims Rivers, and Brewer Rivers. 

Joe lived life well. He never met a stranger and left his mark on everyone he touched—some through last name and appearance, but all through laughter and love. His big heart, his kindness, and his playful spirit will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew him.

The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to the First Methodist Church of Batesville.