Joey Lee Gini, 67, of Hallsville, MO, passed away unexpectedly on August 18, 2023 at University Hospital. Joe was born in Joliet, Illinois on February 21, 1956 to the late Guido and Frances Gini. He attended Hallsville High School and currently resided in Harrisburg.
Joe married Teri Ruth Chandlee on October 9, 1976 at Red Top Church in Hallsville, MO. They had three children: Elizabeth Ann, Rebecca Ruth and Joseph Guido. He was an automotive specialist who started his career at Kelly Motor Spectrum/Legend Automotive. He then owned and operated Elite Automotive Service. He also worked for Accurate Automotive and Premier Automotive. When he retired from the automotive industry, he worked at Play ‘n’ Learn Preschool and for Hallsville Schools. He also drove a school bus for five years. Joe later worked at Reed Heating and Air with his son, Joseph.
Joe helped his dad and brothers on their farm growing up and later worked for COOP in Hallsville. He enjoyed playing baseball/softball, throwing darts, bowling and golfing with friends. Joe loved to go fishing and snagging with his family and friends, but especially liked the fish frys to follow. He held a special place in his heart for the Benner farm in Salisbury, MO where he would spend long weekends hunting with the guys. Joe’s grandchildren were his pride and joy, although he had been known to turn his hearing aids off when they were altogether.
Joe, alongside many friends, transformed his dad’s 1987 Dodge Dakota truck and began racing it in 1998. Joe and his son, Joseph, later rebuilt the Dakota and once again began racing it, this time in Iowa. Joe made many lifelong friendships at the race track.
In his early years, Joe was a volunteer firefighter for the Boone County Fire District Station #3 in Hallsville. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Fraternal Order of Eagles for many years.
Joe is survived by his wife, Teri; two daughters, Beth (Marty) Schneider and Becky (Chris) Class; one son, Joseph Gini; eight grandchildren: Anthony Scott (Brianne), Dylan Tyler, Logan Joshua, Tyler Joe, Ryan Joseph, Jacob Eldon, Lucy Elizabeth, and Josie Ruth; and one great-grandson, Easton Scott. He is also survived by two sisters, Cheryl (Jeff) Bexten and June Gini; two brothers, Ron Gini and Jim (Debbie) Gini; mother-in-law, Joyce Chandlee; two brother-in-laws, Gary (Julie) Chandlee, and Tod (Lori) Chandlee; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guido and Frances Gini; his father-in-law, Willard Chandlee; and a nephew, Michael Chandlee.
Visitation will be held at Park Lane Community Church on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 1pm with the funeral to follow at 3pm. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to Park Lane Community Church or Friendship Church Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be left at: www.howardfh.com
