Josiah McSpedden Sr

Josiah “Joe” McSpedden passed away peacefully at home on the morning of April 27, 2025. Although he called Virginia home for many years, Joe was a Texan at heart—born in Mexia on July 23, 1935, the second son of Raymond and Ina McSpedden.

After serving in the Marine Corps, Joe entered the corporate world, working full time while studying at Southern Methodist University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1966. He went on to enjoy a successful career in finance and accounting, working in Texas as well as up and down the East Coast—most notably as the CFO of Lone Star Industries Inc. Joe retired from full-time work in 1998 and settled in Cape Charles, his wife Laura’s hometown.

There, he enjoyed beach days, family gatherings, fishing on the bay, attending his son Andrew’s football and basketball games, and talking sports, especially Dallas Cowboys football—with anyone who would listen. He was an avid reader of James Patterson and Dan Brown, and often swapped books with friends, always on the lookout for anything that would pique his interest. In his later years, he was a fixture at his granddaughter Taylor’s volleyball and basketball games, where her friends called him by his grandfather moniker “Poppy,” as he treated them like one of his own. He also enjoyed his granddaughter Bailey’s visits from Ohio, which included stories from her foray into farming and spending time on the porch listening to her pick her banjo.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Sonny and David McSpedden; and his son, Jody. He is survived by his wife, Laura; his children, Andrew, Tiffany, and Kim; his grandchildren, Bailey, Rori, Taylor and Ryan; as well as countless other family members and friends.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the Cape Charles Memorial Library or Northampton County Parks and Recreation.

Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.