SOUTHPORT — Joseph William Kinzer, Jr., 62, a beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, and uncle, of Southport, NC, passed away peacefully after battling a long illness on March 31, 2025. Joe was known for his kindness, infectious laugh, and his love of the water/beach.
Joe was a professional carpenter for much of his adult life, and took great pride in the homes and many other projects he helped build in the Southport and Saint James areas. He found great joy in his love of sailing and the beaches of Caswell Beach and Oak Island. He leaves behind a legacy of story and joke telling and was someone who never met a stranger.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph U. Kinzer and Ruth Kinzer, of Westminster, MD; and his maternal grandparents, Ray Booker and Evelyn Booker, of Danville, VA. He is survived by his parents, Joseph W. Sr. and Bonnie Kinzer of St James, NC; his sister and brother-in-law, Amy and Mike Garner of St. James, NC; his nephew Christopher Garner of Leland, NC and his nephew Matthew Garner, and his wife Bri, of Bolivia, NC; his great-nephew Walker Garner of Bolivia, NC; and numerous other relatives; and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 11th, at 2:00 pm at the Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral Home in Southport, NC.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association.
