Joseph Kirk Leaphart Sr.

Joseph Kirk Leaphart, Sr. (95) husband of Jo Ann Perkins Leaphart died on November 16th. He was the son of the late Kirk Lemuel Leaphart and Nessie Boles Leaphart. He grew up in the little town of North, South Carolina.

He completed his freshman year of college at Auburn University and at age 18 enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps WW II. After military service, he chose Furman University and graduated receiving Bachelors and Master degrees. He married the love of his life, Jo Ann Perkins also a Furman graduate.

He was Vice President of Human Resources for Steel Heddle Manufacturing Company, the largest manufacturer of textile loom weaving accessories. Corporate headquarters and manufacturing plants were in Greenville and other plants were located elsewhere in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

He was honored by the Research Institute of America with its Medallion Award which read, “For making an effective contribution to the development of executive skills in human relations and manpower utilization.” He spoke of Steel Heddle as “A great old company with a caring management tradition and with a loyal work force.” He retired after a forty-year career with the corporation.

He was president of the Greenville Area Personnel Association, a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way, and served on various committees of the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Poinsett Club.

Joe was deeply devoted to his Lord and to his beloved wife Jo Ann, his family and friends. He and Jo Ann enjoyed extensive traveling, good times at Litchfield and World War II period music and dancing. Joe’s basement workshop, his gun collection and yard work gave him much pleasure. They lived their latter years at The Woodlands at Furman and The Retreat at Lady’s Island in Beaufort, SC.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years. Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter and two sons: Christie Leaphart Mauritz and husband, Bob Mauritz of Beaufort, SC; Mark Leaphart and wife Carol Mann Leaphart of Greer, SC; and Kirk Leaphart and wife Joan Darby Leaphart of Draper, UT. There are nine grandchildren: Evan and Connor Mauritz; Carlen, Carson, Caleb and Clark Leaphart, Philip, Ryan and Rachel Leaphart. Also surviving is a brother Col. (Ret.) John Leaphart of Mt. Pleasant, SC.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Nan Cupstid Gunter.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive, 311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 followed by a funeral service in the Chapel at Mackey. A burial will follow the funeral on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Leaphart family.