Joel R Peney

Joel Peney, age 86, of Blairsville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, surrounded by his family. 

Joel was born on June 21st, 1938 to Howard and Florence Peney in Plainfield, New Jersey. Joel was the youngest of five siblings. He met the love of his life, Ellie, when he was working as the manager of Allied department store in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They married in 1964 and not long after moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Much to his surprise, on July 27th, Joel became a father to twin boys, Bryant and Todd, of whom he was extremely proud of. In 1971, Joel and his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 1975, he was the Merchandise Coordinator for Jefferson Ward Department Stores and eventually became Senior Vice President of Marketing. In 1987, Joel became the Property Manager for the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department where he eventually became the Supervisor for the department’s evidence, property, and fleet. He retired from the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department in 2000. He didn’t stay retired long as he ended up becoming a consultant for Hollywood and Broward County Sherriff’s Police Departments where he retired again in 2009. 

Joel and Ellie fell in love with Blairsville and relocated in 2009, spending their remaining years within this community. In 1998 and 2003, Joel became a grandfather to grandson, Matt, and granddaughter, Morgan, who affectionately called him Beba. He loved being able to be a part of their lives and enjoyed all the vacations and time spent together. Joel loved to share the love of the Lord and became extremely active within his church, Fellowship of the Hills, where he was a Senior Deacon and Elder. Following Ellie’s death in 2023, Joel became a resident at Stonehenge Senior Living. Joel was an individual who thoroughly enjoyed being with his family. He was funny, loving and exuded warmth to any and all who knew him. 

Joel is survived by his son, Todd Peney, daughter-in-law, Kristy Peney, grandson Matthew Peney and wife Raphaela Aleman, granddaughter Morgan Peney, sister-in-laws, Ruthie Peney, and Loretta Peney, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Joel was preceded in death by wife, Eleanor Peney, his son, Bryant, and his siblings, Robert Peney, Virginia Phillips, Howard Peney, and Roger Peney. 

Visitation will take place on Monday, February 10th, from 11 am-1 pm with a service beginning at 1 pm at the Cochran McDaniel funeral home. 

We will be gathering immediately following the service at Fellowship of the Hills Church to celebrate Joel with refreshments served. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joel’s name to the Bryant Peney Memorial Scholarship Fund at www.bryantpeney.com