Joseph "Joe" Leon Ausley, 86, passed away peacefully at his home on April 25, 2026, in Harnett County, NC.  He was born in Harnett County on February 15, 1940 to the late Thirley Leon Ausley and Emma Catherine Chappell Ausley.   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Edith Blanchard Ausley; brothers, Donald and Ronald Ausley; sister, Doris Faye Ausley Coats; and niece, Dana Elam.

Joe is survived by his son, Jeffrey Ausley and wife, Nancy Dodson Ausley; granddaughter, Anna Ausley and fiancé, Garrett Avery; brother, Wayne Ausley and wife, Darlene; as well as nieces and nephews.

Joe loved serving his community as a dedicated firefighter with Northwest Harnett Volunteer Fire Department for many years.  He retired with 40 years of service from Ferrellgas Company where he drove a tanker truck.  He was faithful to his church and was known for his barbecue sauce at the BGBC Brotherhood BBQs. He loved fishing at the coast, tinkering with cars (crew member for Melvin Yow Racing), and working tirelessly on his farm.  Even later in life, he could be found driving around the farm on his riding lawn mower.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends from 12:30pm-1:45pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home, 1310 S. Main Street, Lillington, NC. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will follow the service at Westview Cemetery in Lillington, NC.