Jeffrey 'Jeff' Busic Joines

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jeffrey “Jeff” Busic Joines on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. Born Aug. 4, 1949, Jeff was the cherished only child of Major Astor and Marie Busic Joines. Though he was the sole recipient of his parents’ devotion, Jeff spent his own life turning that focus outward — dedicating himself to a life of profound service, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.

A man defined by integrity, humility, and an infectious optimism, Jeff was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Lenoir, where he was a historical, faithful presence in the sound and radio broadcast booth. Long before the era of podcasts and streaming, early in his career, countless local families knew his steady, unmistakable voice from Friday nights and hometown games during his time as the News and Sports Director and local sports announcer for WJRI. Later, Jeff served the state with three decades of distinction, retiring in 2007 as a Judicial Division Administrator for the North Carolina Department of Correction’s Fourth Judicial Division.

His leadership left a lasting mark on the energy sector and his local community. A member of the Blue Ridge Energy board of directors since 1998, Jeff served as president of the board since 2018. He took particular pride in his work with the member advisory and community leaders committees, where he was known not just as a leader, but as the ultimate cheerleader for those around him. He was a past president of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives and a founder and past president of the Caldwell County Rotary Club. Jeff’s lifetime of dedication earned him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine — North Carolina’s highest civilian honor — as well as recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International’s highest honor, and induction into the Caldwell County Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to sports broadcasting.

While his professional reach was vast, Jeff’s true priority was his family. His 52-year marriage to Rita Boyette Joines provided a blueprint for a loving, respectful partnership. Jeff was a motivator who led with his heart; he famously encouraged his colleagues to prioritize their own families, just as he did his own. This legacy of kindness and capability lives on through his sons. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Rita; sons, Justin (Brooke) and Wes (Tim); granddaughters, Adelyn, Salem, and Olivia; and grandsons, Ezra and Titus. For Jeff, being a supportive husband, father, and grandfather was his most cherished role.

The Joines family would like to thank Jeff’s clinicians and caregivers, especially the team at DaVita’s Hickory offices who supported his life-saving peritoneal dialysis for nearly eight years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, First Baptist Church of Lenoir, or any cause that is near and dear to your heart.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lenoir, NC, with special messages offered by Dr. Josh Hughes, Dr. David Smith, and the Rev. Jerry Burnette. The family will hold an informal gathering and social hour following the service in the church’s multi-purpose room.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mackiefh.com. Mackie Funeral Service and Cremation is assisting the Joines Family.