Joe Gortney (Lil Joe)

James Arthur “Joe” Gortney Jr.

APRIL 22, 1942 – JUNE 12, 2020

Joe Gortney (Lil Joe), departed this life on Friday, June 12, 2020 at the age of 78 years, 1 month and 21 days.

Joe was born in Bethel Springs, TN on April 22, 1942, son of the late James A. Gortney, Sr. and Maytha Finley Gortney.

Joe was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Adamsville, TN. He served in the United States Army, and was also a 32nd Degree Freemason. Joe began working at Pickwick Electric Cooperative in August 1966 and retired as a lineman in August 2002, after 36 years of employment. His hobbies included fishing, deer hunting, watching NASCAR, going to the flea market and finding a bench to sit on to have lengthy conversations with anyone and everyone he saw. He was an avid fan of all Adamsville High School sports. Joe was a long time member of the football “Chain Gang” and Quarterback Club. Very seldom would you see him without his “Cardinal” or “Red Rage” cap. Joe coached Jr. Pro Basketball and umpired little league baseball games for many years.

Joe was proceeded in death by his parents, James A. Gortney, Sr. and Maytha Finley Gortney and his brother John Finley Gortney. Joe is survived by his wife, Linda Nell Garrison Gortney of Adamsville, TN, daughters, Wendy (Gary) Wright of Murfreesboro, TN and Libby Prather of Selmer, TN. and one granddaughter, (his pride and joy) Shelbie Blair Prather of Starkville, MS.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at a memorial visitation to be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 4:00-8:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, Adamsville, TN 38310

In lieu of flowers, has requested memorials in Joe’s memory to be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. George A. Smith and Sons funeral home is assisting the family.