Thomas Leonard (Tommy) Josey

Thomas Leonard “Tommy” Josey, 73, of Statesville, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Mr. Josey was born September 1, 1942, in Iredell County and was the son of the late John Lee and Ethel Thomas Josey.  He was a graduate of Cool Spring High School and on February 7, 1964, he married Bessie Tomlin Josey, who survives. Mr. Josey was retired from Kewaunee Scientific where he worked as a drafting engineer During his high school days, Tommy was a baseball pitcher for Cool Spring and lead the school to two consecutive IAAA Championships and still holds the record for the number of strikeouts in a game with 21.  He loved working in his garden and also wood carving. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Katherine Mullins along with five brothers, J.D., George, Ralph, Troy, and Dave Josey. Along with his wife of 52 years, Bessie, he is survived by two daughters, Chandra Waters (Brian) and Karen Young (Thomas), both of Statesville and one son, Todd Josey (Karen) of Mocksville along with eight grandchildren, Amanda Josey Sigmon (Matt), Heather, Tyler, and Evan Waters, Brittany Young, and Cody, Kelsey, and Courtney Josey.  He is also survived by a great-grandson, Dylan Waters along with two sisters, Barbara Turner (Johnny) of Tabor City and Vivian Cooke of Statesville and a brother, Mack Josey of Statesville.  A number of nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Tommy Josey will be conducted 10:00 AM Friday, June 17, 2016, at Society Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Holder and Rev. Ervel Jones officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will visit with friends Thursday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 PM at Nicholson Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Tommy Josey.