Joseph Gifford

Joseph Rudolph Gifford May 1, 1928 – April 24, 2021 Joseph “Rudolph” Gifford, passed peacefully in the arms of his family on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Rudolph was born in Johnston County to Daisy Bass Gifford and John William Gifford. He served his country with honor and pride in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict. Rudolph married the love of his life, Belle Jordan Gifford and shared seventy-two wonderful years together. The had one daughter and 2 precious grandsons. Rudolph made sure “his” girls (wife and daughter) were always taken care of. He loved to spoil his two grandsons and was so proud of both. Rudolph was always caring for or helping someone which included his helping his daughter care for all her many animals during her childhood. He loved staying busy and was always on hand to help anyone he could. This led him to be one of the founding members of the Wilson County Rescue Squad and later Captain of the squad. Beside his family the Rescue Squad and God were most important to him. Rudolph was preceded in death by his wife, Belle Jordan Gifford; parents, John William and Daisy Bass Gifford; sister, Margie Gifford Pittman, and his brother, “JW” Gifford, Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Gail Gifford Harrell and his grandsons, Aaron Harrell and Jordan Harrell. Rudolph’s funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson. The Rev. Rudy Owens and Rev. Jonathan Ange will officiate. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. In lieu of flowers please consider memorials in Rudolph’s memory to Wildwood FWB Church, 4331 NC Hwy 42, Wilson, North Carolina 27893 or the Wilson County Rescue Squad, PO Box 3911, Wilson, North Carolina 27895. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.