Mr. Joe Durham Ware, 78, of Swainsboro, passed away Friday, June 24, 2022, at his home. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 27, at Swainsboro First United Methodist Church with Reverend David Unkles officiating. Interment followed in Swainsboro City Cemetery. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Chapman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Eddie Lewis, Randy Mosley, Graham Lawson, Blaine Burrell, Donnie Garrett, and James Akridge. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Kiwanis Club, Larry Underwood, Wayne Kea and Raymond Riner.
Mr. Ware was born in Emanuel County to the late Jody Crawford “Buck” Ware and Virginia Opal Ware. After graduation from Swainsboro High School, he joined the United States Army National Guard. Joe often shared many fond stories of his time serving with his brothers in the Guard. Mr. Ware was most notably known for his time at Ware’s BBQ. His life revolved around his family and the BBQ business that was started by his Uncle Dudley Ware and his parents. Joe was co-owner of Ware’s BBQ on North Main Street, Ware’s Old Mill BBQ, and Ware’s of Soperton. He retired in March of 2021. Joe had many hobbies - he loved to hunt, fish, and most of all, spend time with his family. After retirement, you could find him at the ballfield, dance recitals, or behind the grill cooking for his family. Mr. Ware is better known by those who love him the most as “Pop.” He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Swainsboro. Joe was a member of the Swainsboro Kiwanis Club. He and his wife, Cindy, enjoyed club meetings on Tuesday nights and fellowship with friends. Mr. Ware is preceded in death by parents; daughter, Jenna Opal Ware; and brother, Johnny Morris Ware.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Cynthia “Cindy” Owens Ware; mother-in-law, Mildred Owens of North Augusta, SC; two sons, Jansen Wade (Sky) Ware of Swainsboro and Jarett Owens Ware of Statesboro; three daughters, Jacey Ware (Matthew) Story of Matthews, Kimberly Allison Stevens of Swainsboro, and Kellie Jo (Kenneth) Meeks of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Bowen Ware, Hudson Ware, Raelyn Ware, Jenna Ware, Madison Story, Ivy Story, Grayson Mendieta, Kenlie Meeks, Shanna Stevens, Nikki Stevens, Seagi Stevens, and Sully Stevens; sister-in-law, Gail Ware; many nieces and nephews.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.
