Joe was born to Isaac and Virginia Eller in North Wilkesboro.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four older brothers; Isaac and wife Frances, Jack and wife Edna, Mack and wife Vida and Bill Eller.
After serving in the Korean War, he attended Appalachian Teachers College where he met the love of his life Carole Wilson. They married after finishing college. He worked for the Wilkes County School System for thirty years. In his job, he traveled most of the roads in Wilkes County including at that time many dirt roads. He was a member of the Optimist Club and was Optimist of the Year in 1975 and President from 1975-1976. Later in his life he was a member of the Lions Club. He loved to play golf in his spare time with his golfing buddies including his brothers.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Carole of 65 years; daughter Diane Eller; son, Glenn Eller and wife Natalie and step-granddaughter, Ansley Jarvis.
Services will be private. Burial will be at Mountlawn Memorial Park.