Joseph Grover “Joe” Manning, 74, of Senatobia, Mississippi, passed away at his home on Oct. 15, 2025.

Joe was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and raised in Tullahoma, Tennessee, where he graduated from Tullahoma High School in 1969. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 142 where he became an Eagle Scout. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Joe enjoyed a long career as a plumbing designer with several firms in Memphis before his retirement.

A lifelong animal lover—especially of dogs—Joe devoted much of his time to rescue efforts, often driving animals across state lines to help them find their forever homes. The dogs he personally rescued miss him dearly.

Joe approached life with kindness, humor, and a sense of adventure. He was always ready to go somewhere new or share one of his many entertaining stories from a life well-lived. He was deeply grateful for the gift of family that God brought into his life, embracing his wife’s children as his own and cherishing every moment he spent as a proud grandpa.

He will be remembered for his generous heart, adventurous spirit, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. Though he is no longer with us, we rejoice knowing that Joe is alive and well in the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Margie Manning, his stepmother, Nina Hester Manning, and his first wife, Barbra Welch Manning. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Richmond Simpson; his son, Adam L. Simpson, and wife Carrie; his granddaughters, Penny and Phoebe; and his brother, Carl Manning Jr., and wife Dana Fields.

Memorial services for Joe will be conducted at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Barbra Manning scholarship at Northwest Community College or the Senatobia Animal Shelter.

Ray-Nowell Funeral Home in Senatobia is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Oct. 22, 2025