WILMINGTON — Joseph “Joe” Clement Hearne passed away on November 30, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on June 28, 1939, in Ashland, Kentucky, he was the beloved son of the late John Clement Hearne and Mary Gaines Cartinhour Hearne. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Kise Hearne, and his sister, Nancy Hearne Jones.
Joe is survived by his children—daughters Ashley Miller and Heather Jackson (Brian), and son Joseph C. Hearne II (Stephanie). He leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Jack Miller, Mary Gaines Hearne, Joseph C. Hearne III, Benjamin Hearne, Tolson Jackson, Evan Johnson, Dylan Johnson, and Ava Johnson. He is also survived by his nephews, Steve and Craig Jones, and was preceded in death by nephew Kevin Jones. Joe was a devoted “pet parent” to many beloved animals over the years, especially his grand dog, Max, and his constant feline companion, Snowy.
Raised in the foothills of Appalachia in Ashland, where Kentucky and West Virginia meet the Ohio River, Joe grew up in the family building-supply business. His family owned a lumber company and a concrete block plant in Eastern Kentucky—an upbringing that sparked his early interest in business and later inspired his career in land development.
Joe attended Ashland High School, where he wore #40 and played quarterback for the Ashland Tomcats. The town newspaper once described him as one of the busiest players on the team—a true utility player who excelled as a runner, passer, punter, and extra-point kicker, while also anchoring the defense as safety.
He went on to graduate from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Business and Economics and was a proud member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. In 1961, he married his high-school sweetheart, Nancy Kise. Shortly after, Joe joined the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant while stationed at Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, North Carolina.
A natural entrepreneur who loved the art of making a deal, Joe and Nancy moved their family to Myrtle Beach to pursue new business opportunities. They later relocated to Wilmington, where Joe entered the automobile industry. Over the years, he owned several dealerships, including a Toyota dealership in Whiteville, the Lincoln Mercury dealership in Wilmington, and the National Car Rental franchise at the Wilmington airport.
In the 1980s, Joe sold his interests in the automotive business and transitioned into real estate development. Working with various partners, he helped develop projects along the North Carolina coast, eventually purchasing land throughout Wilmington and Pleasure Island. He was especially involved in the development of The Cape and in shaping the growth of Kure Beach beginning in 1986 through Kure Beach Realty and the Sea Watch community.
Throughout his life, Joe served on and belonged to many boards and organizations. But above all, he will be remembered for living a long, adventurous, and full life surrounded by family and many friends. He was an avid scuba diver who took his family on many sun-filled Caribbean vacations. He and Nancy enjoyed countless getaways with friends—from casino trips to cruises. Joe earned his pilot’s license and delighted in flying, and he cherished time spent golfing with friends, playing in his Tuesday night poker group, and taking gambling trips. He will be forever remembered for his quick sense of humor, his love of good food (especially steak-night dinners), and his signature vodka tonics served in a tall glass with a lime.
The family extends a special thank-you to Joe’s longtime employee and later caregiver, Britt Smith, as well as the many facility staff members who cared for him with love and dedication.
