Melvin Jobe Warner, Jr.
May 30, 1942 ~ February 16, 2024
ROCKY MOUNT – Melvin Jobe Warner, Jr. passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16th at his home in Rocky Mount, NC.
Born May 30th, 1942, Joe was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Joshua L. (founder of the Evening Telegram) and Mary Thorpe Horne, paternal grandparents, George Francis and Mabel Preston Warner, and his parents, Melvin (Mel) Jobe Warner Sr. and Mary Louise Warner. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Nancy Henley Warner, brothers Michael and Larry, his sons Matthew and Scott, and grandson, Andy.
After graduating from UNC's Department of Radio, TV, and Motion Pictures in Chapel Hill, Joe returned to Rocky Mount to join his family's media concerns. He was best known publicly for his work with radio stations WCEC, WFMA, and WSAY. His radio call-in show, Party Line, was very popular with listeners and was a first for the area. He also owned the Muzak franchise for Eastern NC.
Joe was also an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd and, later, Lakeside Baptist Church.
His devotion to the community led him to serve on the Rocky Mount City Council. He also served as President of the Boys & Girls Club, Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club, NC Wesleyan College Foundation, Nash Community College Foundation, and Stoney Creek Rescue Squad. Additionally... he served as chairman of the Braswell Library Board and the Children's Museum.
Joe also served on the boards of the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, Rocky Mount Jaycees, Salvation Army, Habitat For Humanity, Chamber of Commerce, Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club, and many others throughout his life.
His interest in aviation (shared with his son, Matt) led to his involvement with the Rocky Mount - Wilson Airport Authority. Later... he continued his interest in broadcasting as a board member of the Down East Radio Reading Service, serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired in the tri-county area.Joe enjoyed many years of friendship with the members of the Wednesday Night Study Club, where all the world’s problems were solved in an evening.
He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Dr. Jody Wright and Rev. Elizabeth Edwards officiating. Visitation will follow the service in Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building.
A family burial of cremains will take place at Pineview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joe’s memory to Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Down East Radio Reading Service, Inc., Post Office Box 8706, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 .
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Matt & Scott: Not enough words to express the profound loss of your dad. He was a fella that “filled up a room” with his personality, passions, and exuberance for life. And his affinity for planes & Porches. I’ll miss looking at the driveway next door to my parents and wondering what Joe’s up to, now. Godspeed Joe and you’ve got friends & family thinking of you and ready to listen & support you guys as you go through this transitional journey.
Joe was a valued classmate and friend, ham radio operator. Will miss him.
Guilford. Mooring KN4KAU 73S Joe
Condolences to his family and friends.
So very sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed 🙏🙏
So sorry to read the passing of Joe. He was the 1st of Ken ‘s friends from Rocky Mount Senior High that I met when Ken and I started dating. I always liked him and thought well of Joe. He always made me laugh. RIP..JOE
Prayers for the family.
Matt, I remember that house in the curve on Winstead where your dad had that HAM radio shack. The coolest room in the neighborhood. We could look but not touch! You and Charlie Daniels were like the Blues Brothers, inseparable and always the tops in the latest technology. Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. May God be with you as you grieve his loss. He is flying high with Jesus now. You’ll see him again one day! God bless you, Will Hoyle
My condolences to the family. I remember the first time I met Joe at a Wesleyan Society event. I greeted him as Mr. Warner. He said, please call me Joe, my father is Mr. Warner. He was always so kind. I was sad to hear of his passing.
Mrs. Warner and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed taking care of Mr. Warner that day and I appreciate the kindness shown to me as well. You all are very kind and special. I used to listen to WEED Radio all the time. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Joe was one of the early citizens of Rocky Mount to reach out and solicit my support for children and families of this great area. Unlike some he longed for inclusive dialogue and remained an active advisor to many issues of concern, especially physical challenges. As a pioneer of the Down East Radio Readers he leveraged his media experience to reach as much of the Down East Community as possible even getting the talents of his son, Matt, committed from Raliegh. Until parkinsons made his personal challenges too great he was fully committed!!!
Mrs. Warner and family, please accept our deepest condolences. I am truly sorry to hear the passing of Joe. Joe was a very gentle and kind-hearted gentleman. Joe will be sorely missed. Prayers for the family.
Joe was a very kind person! He was always so friendly at our family reunions! He will be greatly missed by so many!
Kent Henley
Hi Nancy, We were sorry to learn of Joe’s death. He certainly left his mark on the community and did a lot of good works. I am happy you were able to share 13 years together.
Tom Henley
He was a friend