Obituary of Joe Ellis Tarry

Joe Ellis Tarry, of Roswell, NM, went to heaven on January 27, 2024. He was 88. Joe was born on Aug. 3, 1935, in Lovington, N.M., to Joe Thomas Tarry and Hazel Pauline Cox Tarry. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers: William Esteen Tarry and Thomas Edgar Tarry; a sister: Margaret Lee Livingston. He leaves Leona Isbell Tarry, his wife of 66 years; his two sons: Carl (Kathy), and Jonathan (Kellie); and daughter Charlotte (Jim Whitley) to honor his memory. His legacy includes his grandchildren: Michelle, Andrew (Becky), and Jennifer Tarry; Janis, Charis, and James Whitley; and great-grandchild: Sylas. He leaves a sister: Helen (Tommy) Tarry Hare of Barstow, CA. Joe grew up in Lovington, NM, where he made his profession of faith and was a member of First Baptist Church of Lovington. After graduating from Lovington High School, Joe attended Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, where he earned a Bachelor of History and Religion. During his time at Eastern, he served in the Army National Guard and is a Korean War veteran. Joe was also active in the Baptist Student Union and served as a Summer Missionary to Jamaica. Joe met Leona Mae Isbell at First Baptist Church in Portales, and they were married on April 19, 1957. Following his graduation from Eastern, Joe and Leona moved to Maxwell, NM, where Joe became pastor of First Baptist Church. While there he was ordained to the ministry. Joe and Leona then attended Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Divinity. Following graduation, he served as pastor of FBC of Porterville, CA. Joe and Leona were appointed as missionaries of the Foreign (International) Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention, in 1964, and served 36 years in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. As a pastor and church planter, Joe was actively involved in the state Baptist Convention. He was a mentor to young pastors, professor at the Baptist Institute, and served as a state leader of the Men's work, and then as the state leader in Spiritual Growth and Stewardship. It was during this time that he felt God leading him to write. Joe wrote many books on history, theology, spiritual growth, and stewardship both in Portuguese and in English. After retirement, Joe served as pastor of the Mescalero Indian Baptist Mission, and served as a chaplain of the Ruidoso American Legion, Ruidoso, NM. As a chaplain, Joe ministered to the veterans in the Ruidoso area, and to the veterans in the Mescalero Care Center. He enjoyed playing the piano for the residents. Joe enjoyed oil painting, as well as playing the trumpet, piano, jaw harp, and harmonica. He was well known by many in the state of Minas for his chalk talks and ventriloquist doll. But the most important joy was sharing the gospel message and writing books. Throughout the years, Joe wrote poetry for special occasions. Joe never wanted to miss an opportunity to serve the one he loved so much. Even during his illness, Joe took every opportunity he could to share the gospel message with the doctors, nurses, and technicians. On January 27, 2024, Joe finished the race, a faithful servant, a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and entered the glorious presence of God. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 2:00 pm, with viewing beginning at 1:15 in the chapel of Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home in Lovington, NM, located at 1106 N. Main Street. Burial will follow at Lovington Cemetery at 600 Gum St. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Joe Tarry Scholarship Fund c/o First Baptist Church, 121 N. 1st Street, Lovington, N.M. 88260. Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.