Peachland, NC - Joe Ed Clarkson, born January 7, 1935, in Baconton, Georgia, went to be with the good Lord the morning after Christmas, December 26th of 2013. He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Lassiter Clarkson; his daughter, Mary Anne Clarkson Barkley of Charlotte; his granddaughter, Rachel Kerns Barkley of Charleston; his step-son, Terry Sheffield and wife, Jenell and grandson, Ryder, all of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Clara Ellen Clarkson and her children, Hubert Clarkson, III, Henry Clarkson, Harold Clarkson and Ellen Clarkson Stubbs. He considered his collection of pets an extension of his family over the years. Joe was raised on a pecan farm outside of Baconton, Georgia, before moving at a young age with his parents, Hubert and Nettie Clarkson and grandmother, Mary "Bubba" Anderson to Cheraw, SC to continue farming cotton, vegetables and tobacco while running a local grocery in the Cash community. Joeâ??s one sibling was a brother, the late Hubert Clarkson, Jr. Joe had a passion for performance and speed from his early youth and applied his mechanical prowess for speed to all types of industrial machinery, fast cars and boats. He was a sharpshooter in his prime carrying on his fatherâ??s love of guns, penchant for safety and award-winning marksmanship. He and his wife, Darlene, showcased Mustangs and enjoyed traveling to events held by the Mustang Club in recent years. For them every day was Christmas. At age thirty-four, he founded Carolina Comfort Insulating Company establishing a small, respectable business helping homeowners and businesses run more efficiently before energy-efficiency was even in vogue. He prided himself in getting the job done right the first time - a tradition his wife, Darlene, carries on today continuing to spearhead the business headquartered in Anson County for forty-four years. Joe co-founded the first Ducks Unlimited Chapter in Anson County in the 1970â??s. He previously served on the Vestry of Calvary Episcopal Church. He was noted for being a FORD fanatic, followed NASCAR and was fascinated on how to make things work better. Folks who worked with him on various projects thought of him as an engineer; he cultivated creative ideation whether drawing tractor sketches in the back of his junior high school math class, drag racing in Charlotte or boat racing outboard Mercuryâ??s on Lake Tillery. Joe was a connector of people, places and processes and often said, "If you give a man a knife, heâ??ll be a friend for life." His wit was quick, dry and infectious. Joe made people smile. He loved God and his Country. He never met a man that he didnâ??t like. Please join us in celebrating his life and all of the love and goodness he brought to those who knew him. ~ The Clarkson Family. A funeral to celebrate the life of Joe Ed will be held Saturday at 2 pm from the Chapel of Morgan & Son Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Clarkson Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.