Mr. John "Wayne" Josey, 77, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, at his home in Kannapolis.

A funeral service is scheduled for 3:00 pm Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Bethpage Presbyterian Church. Rev. Valerie Hicks will officiate. There will be a reception following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

A private burial with military rites will be at a later date.

Wayne was born April 20, 1948 in Rockwell. He was a son of the late John Josey, Jr. and Pauline Sheets Nichols. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and later the Army National Guard. He received his Associates Degree in Textiles from Belmont Abbey. In his earlier years, he worked for Cannon Mills Plant 4 in the machine shop. He later owned and operated Josey Enterprises where he was a Master Welder and Fabricator. He was a devoted member of Bethpage Presbyterian Church and Beaver Pittman Post 115 in Kannapolis.

He was a true adventurer at heart, drawn to anything with a motor and always eager for the next journey. Whether outdoors exploring nature or spending time with animals he loved so deeply, he found joy in the world around him. Gifted with a creative mind and countless talents, he was the kind of man who never accepted limits, if something needed doing, he figured out how to do it. His curiosity, determination, and love for life left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him and his adventurous, faithful spirit will be deeply missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Kay Josey; and two brothers, Billy Ray Josey and Donnie Ray Foster.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 49 years, Christel Metcalf Josey; five children, Lisa Fox, Lori Hyler, Jennie Van Dongen, Heather Josey Kirkman (William "Dougie" Douglas Kirkman, III), and Matthew Wayne Josey (Caroline Josey); two brothers, David Josey and Larry Josey; and four grandchildren, Guy, Evie, Veda and Drake.

Memorials may be sent to Bethpage Presbyterian Church, 6020 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or to Coltrane Life Center, 321 Corban Avenue SE, Concord, NC 28025.

The family would like to thank the staff of Atrium Hospital at Home and Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County for all of their care and support.