Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Joe V. McNeese, 89, of Columbia, who passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026 at The Myrtles Nursing Home. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia.

The McNeese family will receive guests on Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 pm up until the hour of service at 3:00 pm at Hathorn Funeral Home.

Joe was a man with a steadfast work ethic and who truly never met a stranger. Always reliable, Joe dedicated 28 years of his life to Tyler Marine, where he served as both a crane operator and foreman, though his roots remained firmly planted in the soil from his early days working on a dairy farm. Joe found great peace in the simple things of nature. Whether he was planting his garden or out in the woods cutting firewood—a tradition that provided warmth for his own fireplace and many others in the community—he embraced the value of hard work. Above all, Joe loved the quiet moments: sitting on his porch, watching the world go by, or heading down to 98 One Stop for a cup of coffee and a good conversation. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of stopping to talk with him.

He was preceded in death by his three Sons, Joe C. McNeese, Vernon T. McNeese, Troy H. McNeese; his Parents, R.D. & Jonnie Mae McCloud McNeese; four Brothers, John Wesley McNeese, Pete McNeese, Charles McNeese, Billy McNeese.

He is survived by his Wife of thirty-four years, Ollie Rowell McNeese of Columbia; one Son, Ricky McNeese (Libby) of Summit; two Step Sons, Charles R. Davis (Caramia) of Jackson, James Bullock of Texas; four Step Daughters, Debi Rowell (Gene) of New Bern, North Carolina; Julie Bang (Bruce) of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Joyce Rogers, of Sumrall, Jackie Stuckey (Skeeter) of Columbia; one Sister, Shirley Dyess (Sonny) of Bassfield; and a number of Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.

Mr. McNeese will be carried to his final place of rest by those honored to serve as Pallbearers: Chance McNeese, Jason Farmer, Blake Rogers, Danger Bang, Chandler Beard, and Benjamin Martin.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at hathornfuneralhome.com.