Joe Thomas "Papa Joe" Sullivan

Jefferson, SC - Mr. Joe Thomas "Papa Joe" Sullivan, age 85, peacefully entered into rest on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Fork Creek United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Cindy Rumsey, Reverend Todd Robinson, and his nephew, Pastor Dan Sullivan. The burial will follow in the church cemetery, and the family will greet friends from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Tuesday, prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.

Born on November 30, 1939, in Chesterfield County, SC, Mr. Sullivan was the son of the late Levi Luke and Lelia Oliver Sullivan. He was a retired employee of Springs Industries with over 42 years of service. A faithful member of Fork Creek United Methodist Church, Joe embodied a strong work ethic and believed in an honest day's work whether on the job or on his farm. A man known for his kind heart, Joe genuinely cared for his family, friends, and church. He enjoyed time fishing and visiting with neighbors and friends. Above all, he was a dedicated family man who deeply loved his children and grandchildren, particularly the time spent caring for his son, Eric, who was his pride and joy.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Sullivan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Catoe Sullivan; his great-grandchild, Bladen Davis Cail; his brothers, Olin Sullivan and Heyward Sullivan; his sisters, Viola Gilmore, Camilla Rollins, Jean Jordan, Sabren Reese, and Martha Blanche Miles; his brothers-in-law, David Jordan and Carroll Reese; and his sister-in-law, Estelle Sullivan.

He is survived by his children, Beth (Floyd) Demby, Deborah (Tommy) Catoe, Eric Sullivan, and Brian (Wendy) Sullivan, all from Jefferson, SC; his grandchildren, Chad (Rachel) Demby, Casey (Nichole) Catoe, Alisha Catoe, Layne (Kevin) Rollins, Lacey (Davis Cail) Catoe, Thomas J. (Paige Steen) Catoe, Sydney (Matthew) Terry, and Lexie (Jarrett Laney) Sullivan; 16 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Brenda Sullivan of Cheraw, SC; numerous nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Brittany Adams and Tammy Adams of Jefferson, SC.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Fork Creek United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 309, Jefferson, SC 29718, or Gentiva Hospice of Chesterfield, 205 E. Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Sullivan family.