Graveside services for Joel Howard, “Joey”, Ashcraft will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, January 23, at Westview Cemetery in Wrightsville. Joey was born December 7, 1968. He grew up in Moore’s Chapel Community on his maternal grandparent’s family farm. He was loved and nurtured here by his mother, Betty Jo Brantley Ashcraft, his late grandparents, James Howard and Virginia C. Brantley, his great grandmother, Eliza M. Carroll, and aunt, Jean Brantley Boone and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors. Joey enjoyed the farm life growing up and learned the value of hard work, his Christian Faith and his strong commitment to family, friends, and living by “The Golden Rule”. He grew up attending Moore’s Chapel First United Methodist Church. Joey was a proud father of his daughters, Jordan Elizabeth, and Payton Gibbs Ashcraft. He delighted in all aspects of fatherhood. As his daughters grew up, there were many family outings and trips to foster their interest in history, adventures to other regions of the United States and family cruises. As a parent he wanted to instill a thirst for knowledge, a dedication to moral values and understanding and firm foundation in their Christian Faith. As his daughters grew and began to participate in various activities, Joey was always present and beaming with pride during their dance and singing recitals, academic achievements, and sporting events. Joey attended Johnson County Schools, graduating as an Honor Graduate from Johnson County High, class of 1986. He participated in various sports, including baseball and football, receiving multiple awards. Joey was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Eagle Scout Award. He was recognized in 1986 as Johnson County “Youth of the Year”. Joey graduated in 1990 from the University of Georgia with his BBA in Management Information Systems with a Minor in Logistics. His professional education included attending the Bank Investment Management from the University of South Carolina and the University of Georgia Banking School. Joey worked as a field engineer in communications as well as R&D Support Liaison in SDLC software engineering. Joey was currently employed as Chief Financial Officer at Bank of Wrightsville. Involved in community service, Joey served on several civic and volunteer organizations. He was a past member of the Dublin Exchange Club, Board Member of Easter Seals, and a nonprofit hospice. Joey was a current member of the Wrightsville Rotary Club and the First United Methodist Church in Dublin. He had served as past Chairman of the Finance Committee and former teacher of Second Grade Class. Joey had a zest for life and loved spending time with his family, especially his daughters, Jordan and Payton, and his many friends. He enjoyed engaging conversations and was always eager to learn from others and exploring new hobbies and interests. One of Joey’s current endeavors had been the re-establishment of the family farm and having his daughters over to teach them “farm life”. Joey was a loving and dedicated son, a reliable and responsible coworker, and a trustworthy friend. Joey was most passionate and committed to his two daughters, Jordan, and Payton, making sure they felt his support to achieve in their academic and athletic activities and his pride in their efforts and achievements. Joey was preceded in death by his father, Steve Ashcraft, his maternal grandparents, James Howard & Virginia C. Brantley, his maternal great-grandmother, Eliza M. Carroll, and his uncle, William S. Boone. He is survived by his mother, Betty Jo Brantley Ashcraft, Wrightsville; his daughters, Jordan Elizabeth and Payton Gibbs Ashcraft, Dublin; the mother of his children, Lynn F. Ashcraft, Dublin; his half-siblings, Alan (Donna) Ashcraft of Lincoln, Nebraska, Larry (Linda) Ashcraft of Portland, Tennessee, Jan (Dennis) Upton of Charlotte North Carolina and several nieces and nephews; Aunt, Jean B. Boone, Milledgeville, and numerous other extended family members. Joey’s family wishes to thank the many teachers, coaches, neighbors, church family, friends and professional mentors that have guided and supported him. We extend our appreciation to the many members of the community, friends and family members who have provided your prayers, love, and support during this truly, difficult time. Joey will be missed but will never be forgotten and his spirit will live on to all who have loved him. In honor of Joey’s memory, contributions made to Wrightsville Rotary Club, P.O. Box 232, Wrightsville, Ga. 31096. The body will lie in state from 12:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Saturday, January 23, 2021 in the Richard N. Stanley Jr. Memorial Chapel of Stanley Funeral Home. Social distancing guidelines will be in effect and mask will be required by those attending as we are following the guidelines of the local health district and the CDC. A livestream video will be posted on the Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook page during the service. Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.