Joe Bickerstaff

Joe Daniel Bickerstaff, 78, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026 at the North Mississippi Medical Center – Gilmore in Amory. Joe was born on April 3, 1948 in Amory to the late Corbett Buel Bickerstaff and Jennie Monaghan Bickerstaff. He attended Pine Grove School and was a graduate of Amory High School, Class of 1966. When Joe first laid eyes on Linda Ausborn, he knew that he loved her and that she would one day be his wife and on March 22, 1969 they were wed. For over 57 years, Joe and Linda have shared a love story, raised a family and have been constant and faithful companions.

In his younger years, Joe was a skilled journeyman welder and pipefitter, along with his father and brother. He continued honing his skills and knowledge while gaining great friends and co-workers through the years. Working with the Buxton family and eventually at Kerr-McGee/Tronox, he developed many lifelong friends, retiring after 28 years.

Joe loved this country and felt a deep appreciation to all those who served, defending our way of life. He honorably served in the Mississippi Army National Guard with the 155th Armored Brigade of Nettleton for 10 years. A true outdoorsman, Joe enjoyed fishing, mowing and bush hogging and raising a garden each year, whether he wanted to or not. When Joe walked into a room it seemed everyone would immediately relax and anxiously await for the joke or tall tale that was sure to come. Joe loved to watch Gunsmoke (One More Time); work the Daily Journal Crossword Puzzles; and preferred a road atlas over a GPS any day of the week.

He attended Becker Baptist Church. A faithful and devoted father, Joe adored his children and grandchildren and was always proud of each one. Joe’s legacy of faithfulness, commitment, hard work, humor and kindness will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his wife, Linda Bickerstaff, Becker; daughter, Kimberly Bickerstaff Parham (Michael), Florence, AL; sons, Joe Daniel “Danny” Bickerstaff, II (Dawn), Becker, Richard Wade Bickerstaff (Michelle), Mooreville and Thomas Lance Bickerstaff (Camille), Birmingham; sister, Cheryl Umfress (Gary), Amory; mother in law, Nita Hanna Ausborn, Becker; grandchildren, Ethan Bickerstaff, Ryan Parham (Julia), Christopher Wright (Elizabeth), Brody Bickerstaff (Madison), Moira Bickerstaff, Landon Bickerstaff, Avan Bickerstaff and Stella Bickerstaff; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his brother, CB Bickerstaff; sisters, Ann Smith, Kay Whitlock, Judy Boone, Carolyn Cox, Deanna Thornton; father in law, Virdis Ausborn.

The family would like to express with a grateful heart, a very special thank you to the wonderful day and night crews at Amory Gilmore Hospital. From the wonderful physicians, nursing staff, CNAs, therapists, nutrition ladies and housekeeping, we couldn’t have asked for better care and loving spirit’s during Joe’s stay. We pray they all know how precious they are to our family.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Cleveland Moffett Funeral home with Bro. Gunnar Gray and Bro. Jason Greene officiating. Burial will follow in Greenbrier Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Frank Finney, Curtis Hilt, Randy Finch, Randy Edwards, Camron Wright and Tony Wright.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 at the funeral home from 5 PM until 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the Alzheimer's Association or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.