Joe F. Orr's Obituary
Joe Farmer Orr, age 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Joe was born February 13, 1937, in Murray, KY to the late Mary Kathryn Cain and Preston Orr.
Joe attended Murray High School in Murray, Kentucky where he was a straight “A” student. While there, he also excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, and acted in school plays. He learned a strong work ethic while working in the tobacco fields with his grandfather, Lamer Farmer (Ruth). Joe attended Murray State University on a tennis scholarship, and later relocated to Memphis, TN where he transferred to Memphis State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He went on to work in several controllership roles throughout his career. As a young adult, he also served in the Army National Guard.
Joe’s pride and joy was the family he dearly loved. He was especially proud of his many grandchildren. He was an avid coin collector for many years and loved to travel the country learning about US and world history. One of his most loved trips included visiting the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC, where he felt you could never see it all. He continued to play competitive tennis after leaving college and had a love of golf. During his later years, he spent many happy hours golfing and playing cards with his buddies.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Larry E. Cain and James E. Cain of Murray, KY, and stepson Phil L. Lang. Jr of Memphis, TN.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Winelle P. Orr of Southaven, MS; sister Edwina K. Schwier (Henry) of Sea Girt, NJ, sister-in-law Julia Cain of Murray, KY; brother Gregory A. Cain (Vicki) of Madisonville, KY; children Tracy Karnavas (late wife Toni) of Bullhead City, AZ, step-daughter Lisa L. West (Royce) of North Little Rock, AR, step-daughter-in-law Harriet Lang of Memphis, TN, Lesley O. Taylor (Matt) of Murfreesboro, TN, and Stephanie O. Gray of Oakland, TN, grandchildren Lindsey R. Jackson, Kyle A. West, Lacey A. West, Austin C. Lang, Sophia “Grace” Lang, Madison T. Westbrook (Brandon), Joseph “Reece” Taylor, and Mei Mei Shan Nichole Gray, and great-grandchildren Annalise R. Jackson, Evelyn “Evie” J. West, Connor “CJ” J. Lang, Isabella “Bella” Lang, Mila M. Lang, and Charlotte “Charlee” Marie Westbrook, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family would like to thank friends and family for their love, prayers and support.
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