CHARLESTON -- Joseph Earle Sherburne, Jr. passed unexpectedly on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at his home in Charleston, at the age of 50 years young. Joey is survived by the love of his life Joy Sherburne, daughter Brittany Sherburne, son Devean Sherburne and Ashley Albair. Also survived by Mum Amanda Sherburne, brother Shawn and Shannon Sherburne, sister Angie (Sherburne) and Chris Dacey, and many more aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and loving friends.
He is predeceased by his loving father, Joseph Earle Sherburne, Sr., his mother Barbara Rainne Higgins and his beloved golden, Buddy, the dog. Buddy was Joey's trucking companion from a pup. Joey had him for 14 years, right up until last December. That was his boy. We all know Buddy is doing the "PeePee Dance" knowing that daddy is home with him.
Joey was born in Dover-Foxcroft, on March 7, 1971. He graduated from Dexter Regional High School, class of 1989. Anyone that knows Joey knew that he was a farmer at heart. Joey grew up and started alongside his father at the Top of Maine Farm. After graduation, he decided to join the Army; and he became an attack helicopter mechanic. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge, M16, Aircraft Crewman, Army Lapel Button and Army Service Ribbon. After his term Joey returned to the family farm for several years. As farming got tough, he left and went to work for Allen Reed (A.D. Construction) for 14 years. As his family grew, he decided it was time to drive his 18-wheeler over the road for 11 years. Due to his health issues, he had to pull himself out of the trucking industry. After a very brief time off, his Best Friend Tony Woodruff begged him to work for Blake Smith, where he spent the last 10 years working with his second family at Windy Knoll Farm. Up to WKF, he was hard working, determined, and dedicated to the farm. Blake stated, "He would not be surprised if Joe held the record in the state of Maine for most feed and silo pushed and packed." Joey will be missed by all the farmers in Maine.
Joey loved his family above all things, but he also enjoyed playing cards (Joey's favorite hand got him his nickname of DONKEY), hunting, snowmobiling, but nothing compared to Elaine's Bakery.
Joey sadly did not have grandchildren, but he loved his fur babies, Rafikki Aka PUD PUD, Jaxxsyn KAOS, Gemma Lee, Otto and Tiggs, Rocky the goldfish, and the newest addition Theo. He truly loved all his animals.
Five years ago, Joey and his daughter Brittany established "Sherburne's Plowing". Two years later Joey and Brittany brought son Devean Sherburne into the snow removal business. Even with the passing of Joey, his legacy will still live on by his two children.
There will be no viewing hours. A memorial service will be held at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 59 Main Street in Dexter, on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 1 PM. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal.