Joel Howard Liles

Joel "Joe" Howard Liles, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026, after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. Born to the late Thurman and Hettie Liles, Joe spent his childhood in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. Even as a young man, he distinguished himself through his determination and athletic ability. At Fuquay Springs High School, Joe excelled in track and field, setting school records that stood for more than 50 years.

After graduating from high school, Joe married his first wife, Ann Pearce, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Borie as a hot powder gun caseman. Following a medical discharge from the Navy, he returned home and earned an associates degree in drafting from Wake Technical Community College.

In 1974, Joe and Ann welcomed their daughter, Leigh Ann Liles. Being Leigh's dad was one of the great joys of Joe's life, a role that would later grow to include being a proud PaPa to Madeline (Maddie) and Meredith. Although Joe and Ann parted ways, they remained good friends throughout the years.

Joe built his career in education, becoming a well-loved drafting teacher and respected track coach at North Garner Junior High School and Athens Drive High School before retiring in 2002. His years in the classroom and on the track gave him the opportunity to share both his knowledge and his love of competition with generations of students.

His years at North Garner also brought someone special into his life. There, Joe met Connie Cahoon, a teacher in the math department and the love of his life. They married on August 8, 1981, and created a life together filled with family, travel, shared adventures, and plenty of stories. Joe passed away one day before they would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

Joe never lost the competitive spirit that made him such a remarkable high school athlete. He continued running for decades, competing in USA Track and Field Masters events and setting new records that gave him another mark to chase. He also enjoyed running 10K races and remained proud of the discipline, camaraderie, and challenge the sport brought to his life. But competition was only part of what kept Joe moving. He had a lighthearted spirit and a genuine enthusiasm for life. Joe pursued joy with the same energy he brought to competitions, and the people who loved him knew he always had a dance move or a quick joke at the ready to make people smile.

Away from the track, Joe was happiest when he had something to make, somewhere to go, or a bargain to find. He loved woodworking and creating crafts, many of which he and Connie sold at craft fairs. He was an enthusiastic yard sale shopper and a supporter of local businesses. Joe and Connie also shared a love of travel and made their way across the country together, eventually visiting all 50 states.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Connie; his daughter, Leigh Liles Foushee and her husband, Eugene; his granddaughters, Madeline Foushee and Meredith Foushee; his sister, Frances Hare; his former wife, Ann Pearce Futrell; and many cherished extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Bruce Liles; his sister, Doris Liles Adams; his brothers-in-law, Lynwood Hare and Robert Adams; and Big Pops, Ray Futrell.

The family would like to thank the kindness and gentleness of Joe's many caregivers during the last four years, including the teams at Cadence of Garner and Transitions Hospice.

A graveside gathering honoring Joe's life will be held on September 12, 2026 at 10 AM at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 12830 Clayton Boulevard, Clayton NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who knew and loved Joe to celebrate his life in a way he would have appreciated: go for a run outside, enjoy a scoop of ice cream, or support a local business in your community. And, if you happen to find a good yard sale along the way, Joe would probably approve of that, too.