Joseph “Joe” Merritt Rorie, age 79, of Southern Pines, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Gregg Newton Officiating. A time of visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Joe served his community by serving the Moore County Fire Departments for over fifty years. As a result of his service to his community, he was an honored recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine awarded to persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. Joe was an asset to our community and will be greatly missed.
Joe was born in Moore County on February 23, 1946, to the late Floyd Cecil Rorie and Eunice Thompson Rorie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeffery Rorie, wife, Nellie Rorie; sister, Marie Rorie Bailey, and brother, Lee Rorie.
He is survived by his sons, Joey Rorie (Lori) of Foxfire, Jon Rorie (Bonnie) of Pinehurst, Jason Rorie (Laura) of Elmira, New York and Justin Rorie (Kristy) of Youngsville. He is also survived by stepchildren, Billy Johnson (Bonnie) of Southern Pines; Laura Gwyn (Danny-Deceased) of Spring Lake and Teresa Black (Larry) of Carthage; Sister Jean McNeill (Ronnie) of Aberdeen, twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
Cox Memorial…”Serving GOD, by serving families in a time of need”.
