With hearts full of both sorrow and hope, we announce the passing of our beloved Joey Bales. While we grieve the loss of his earthly presence, we rejoice in knowing that he is now completely healed in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Joseph Bales was born on October 31, 1976, to the late Charles Everett Bales and Nora Sue (King) Bales. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles Randall Bales.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marla Bales; his son, Colby Bales; his daughter, Carmen Bales; his sisters, Karen Hurst and her husband, Walter, and Marlene Isaacs and her husband, Ricky; parents-in-law Marvin and Marcella Carpenter, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends who were blessed to know and love him.
Joey believed in the value of hard work and lived it every day. He faithfully worked for Walmart Distribution Center for 28 years on the full-time weekend shift. In recent years, he also became co-owner of Sand Gap Sports Cards and Annville Storage. Resourceful, wise with finances, and deeply devoted to his family, Joey viewed providing for those he loved not as an obligation, but as one of the greatest ways he could show his love. His family never questioned his commitment to them because he demonstrated it every single day.
An avid outdoorsman, Joey loved hunting and fishing. While he was an accomplished deer hunter, what brought him even greater joy was introducing others to the outdoors and helping them experience the excitement of the hunt. Watching someone else succeed often meant more to him than filling his own tag.
As a young man, Joey was a gifted athlete who excelled in both basketball and baseball, though he enjoyed nearly anything competitive. Whether playing a game with lifelong friends or challenging the kids, Joey believed in giving his best every time. He was not one to hand out easy victories or believe in participation trophies—he thought earning a win made it all the more meaningful. That playful determination became one of the many things those who loved him will forever remember with a smile.
A devoted member of Bond Baptist Church, Joey’s relationship with the Lord shaped the way he lived and loved. He treasured the opportunity to serve on two short-term mission trips to Haiti, where he shared the love of Christ and formed memories that remained close to his heart. He was also deeply passionate about Grace Emmaus Walks and Grace Christian Journeys, faithfully investing in the lives of others and encouraging them in their walk with Christ.
Above all, Joey loved the Lord. His faith remained steadfast throughout his courageous battle with cancer. Even in the hardest moments, he trusted God’s plan and chose hope over fear. His strength, grace, and unwavering faith became an inspiration to countless people who followed his journey.
Joey never met a stranger. He had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, a shared laugh, or a simple act of kindness, he left an impression that will not soon be forgotten. Family and friends meant everything to him, and he treasured every visit, every story, and every moment spent together.
Though cancer affected his body, it never defined the man he was. Joey will be remembered for his steadfast faith, tireless work ethic, generous heart, competitive spirit, and the genuine love he showed to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in God’s promise of eternal life and the assurance that Joey has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day—and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.” — 2 Timothy 4:7–8
Joey’s legacy of faith, love, hard work, and kindness will live on in the lives of his family and the countless friends he made along the way. He was deeply loved, will be profoundly missed, and will never be forgotten.
Funeral services for Joey Bales will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Lakes Funeral Home with Bro. Cody Powell, Bro. Shane Gabbard and Bro. Shane Ayers officiating. Burial will follow in the Cornelius Cemetery. Pallbearers: Brian Miller, Jason Akemon, Ricky Isaacs, Walter Hurst, Marvin Carpenter, Todd Morris, Brian Murray and Tommy Stewart. Honorary pallbearers: Josh Gray and Bradley Isaacs. Lakes Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. www.lakesfuneralhomemckee.com
