Joseph Patrick McGuire

Joseph Patrick McGuire, 63, of Asheville, sadly left us on January 24, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Ellen McGuire, children - Sarah-Katherine (Kyle) Goddard, and Caleb (Sydney) McGuire; Grandchildren - Hudson and Holly Goddard; Sisters, Carla Branch and Missy Spencer; twelve nieces and nephews; and an incredible group of friends. A proud Western North Carolina native, Joseph Patrick McGuire was born on July 1, 1960 in Brevard, NC to Joseph Walter McGuire (deceased) and Martha McGuire Hawkins (deceased) where he grew up with his parents and three siblings Carla Branch, Mary Martha “Missy” Spencer, and John McGuire (deceased). His family moved to Mocksville, NC for a brief time and before moving back to the mountains and settling at 555 Lakeshore Drive in North Asheville where Joe and his family would create countless friendships and lifelong memories. One of those friendships turned into a lifelong relationship with his loving wife of 38 years, Ellen Browne McGuire. Joe and Ellen met during high school after being introduced by mutual friends. Ellen has memories of being nervous for their first date because of her huge crush, how cool he was in his camaro, and how comfortable she immediately felt. Joe was soon her date to many college parties, concerts, and hiking trips making the road trip from Western Carolina to Appalachian State to see her every weekend he could. After Joe and Ellen graduated college, they got married at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, NC on June 7, 1986. After getting married, Joe worked for the Boy Scouts of America for a few years before beginning his career with Wachovia Bank where he served over 25 years, in 6 cities, in roles ranging from repossessing cars to executive leadership with auto dealer finances. His mentor, Bob, would say “Joe is a person you don’t have to worry about. He is going to do the right thing whether you are in the room or not and he is going to teach others to do the same thing and lead by example” and Bob would also say “that is why I moved him around all over the damn country!” One of the first moves brought them to Salisbury, NC where Joe and Ellen welcomed their first child, Sarah-Katherine, on September 13, 1991. Joe would want you to know, and has probably told you before, it was a full moon, at midnight, on Friday the 13th. A few years, and moves, later, his son, Carl Caleb McGuire was born on March 31,1994 in Concord, NC which completed the family. During the many moves in life, Joe continued to be an amazing husband and father supporting his family every step of the way. The word that comes to mind is endurance, no matter what the hardship was with work, finance, mental health, or general life - Joe persevered and kept his family at the forefront of every decision. Joe provided for his family in every sense of the word. He knew what a dollar was worth and worked hard since age 13 during his first job at Rolling Pin Bakery. In his career, he was known for being a phenomenal manager where he moved through the ranks at Wachovia during his 25+ years winning countless awards in the auto-dealer finance industry for his sales, financial excellence, and leadership. Joe and Elllen relocated back to Asheville in 2009 where he finished out his career with Hometrust Bank. During his time at Hometrust, he served as the Auto Finance Director and then moved into the role of Director of Community Outreach. Joe often said this was the most rewarding role of his career because he got to directly impact communities across North Carolina that need it most by building relationships and creating strategic plans to help underserved communities find ways to access cars and housing. They say you spend one third of your life at work. Joe worked hard and put in those hours but what was most important to him at work was the people - specifically his people. If you were on Joe’s team you knew you would be taken care of. If he was your boss, he was your biggest advocate and a mentor who was invested in developing your career. If he was a peer, he was always there to listen, share advice, and celebrate your success. No matter your role, big or small, he was going to know your name and say hello and ask you how you are doing every time he saw you. Joe had many passions in life: Hanging out with his friends on a weekly basis - relationships that are 50+ years old from Lakeshore Drive, the playground of Ira B Jones, Hillside Middle School, Asheville High School, Western Carolina University. In more recent years, he met many new friends at shows around town that quickly became family. Anyone friends with Joe can attest you can count on him, and he would always show up for you. This quality is something he brings into every facet of his life and a reason why these friendships are so strong and stood the test of time. He loved “Free Dead Fridays” at the One Stop, going to shows at the Salvage Station, meeting new friends and listening to live music. He was ALWAYS listening to music and had a knowledge across all genres and generations that would make him an extremely competitive jeopardy contestant. Speaking of jeopardy, he did love that show and loved reading even more which made him knowledgeable on just about any topic. He was known affectionately as “Ranger Joe” who could tell you about any plant, insect, animal, or historical event. Ranger Joe had a love of gardening - his yard was always one of the best on the block and he enjoyed getting able to spend his retirement days centered around his backyard. For the vegetables he didn’t grow himself, he would always shop local. You could find him at the Farmer’s Market multiple times a week. Joe loved to travel with Ellen and his family. In the last few years, Joe and Ellen prioritized travel and explored Montana, Guatemala, Northern California, Oregon, and more! He loved to see new places, take a million pictures, buy lots of souvenirs for his kids, grandkids, and best friends back home. His favorite place to travel was to our family mountain home just an hour and a half away in Jackson County. It is truly the most lovely place on earth and he was so proud to design this house alongside his mother and siblings and have a place for our family to gather for generations. Joe had the biggest heart for animals and our family was never without one for more than a few weeks. Family dogs are royalty in his eyes and they are spoiled accordingly. He could never turn down playing fetch or tug-a-war with a dog and would happily play frisbee in the backyard with his grand-dog for hours. His love was not reserved just for dogs, we usually always had a cat (or a few), along with some turtles in the 90s. Joe could never turn down an animal in need. Last but not least, he loved to be with the love of his wife, Ellen. He was a romantic at heart, always planning special dates, giving her flowers, and making sure she knew she was loved and appreciated. Joe was happiest when with his family and loved them more than anything. He was SO PROUD of his children, Sarah-Katherine and Caleb, and would talk anyone’s ear off about their accomplishments. He was SO PROUD that they married incredible humans - Kyle and Sydney who he loved dearly. He was overjoyed by the birth of his grandchildren - Hudson and Holly Goddard and the light they bring to the world. Joe will be terribly missed and his sudden passing sent a shockwave through his family and community. We will strive to honor his memory in love, music, and selfless giving to those around us. Joe is survived by his wife Ellen, his children Sarah-Katherine (Kyle) Goddard and Carl Caleb (Sydney) McGuire and his grandchildren, Hudson and Holly Goddard. In addition to his siblings listed above, he is also survived by Ellen’s siblings: Trip Browne, Maier (Scott) Runyon, Tim (Christine) Browne, Laura (Durel) Livaudais. In addition to Joe’s parents and brother he is preceded by: Fleming and Marilyn Browne, Frank Browne, and Stephanie Browne. A celebration of life will be held in his honor on Wednesday, January 31 at the Capital Club of Asheville. The family will receive guests starting at 4:30pm with services beginning at 530pm. The celebration will continue until 8:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.

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Joseph Patrick McGuire

July 1, 1960 - January 24, 2024