Joseph Craig "Joey" Stirewalt was born in Laurens, South Carolina on July 1, 1982 to the parents of S. Craig and Kimberly M. Burnett Stirewalt. Growing up in Graycourt, SC he enjoyed playing outdoors and running around with his dogs.

Joey attended Hickory Tavern Elementary until the family moved to Lexington, SC in the fall of 1990. He continued his education at Red Bank Elementary, then onto both of the new White Knoll schools, and finally graduated in 2000 from Lexington High School.

After high school Joey applied to become a Correctional Officer at the Lexington County Sheriff's Department in 2003. He served in that capacity for over 8 years. Joey then ventured to work for SCE&G/SCANA for approximately a year. The next phase of his decorated career was with the West Columbia Police Department which began in 2013.

Joey served the citizens of Lexington County for 15.5 years.

To Joey's credit he graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy twice. The first time was as a Correctional Officer with LCSD, and the first in the family. The SCCJA staff expounded on his leadership skills during his second tour, to become a Police Officer with WCPD. As a bit older than the other cadets, they were always gleaning information from him and enjoyed his comradery. Joey was considered to be a Senior Cadet. Two very proud moments for the family since his father was in Law Enforcement.

Two of his loves were his Mother, and Bentley, a tan lab. Other loves in his life were family, friends, cooking, Oktoberfest's at the shop, Texas Roadhouse, Columbia Fireflies games, Sanford Stadium and the UGA Bulldogs, target shooting, and fishing.

Joey is predeceased by grandparents Clarence and Lee Stirewalt, Roy and Mildred Burnett, his mother Kim, along with her sister Sandra Ervin, and a cousin Jenny Norwood.

Surviving family members are S. Craig (Anne) Stirewalt, Pam Leach (Aunt), and Rod (Edna) Stirewalt (Uncle). His numerous loving cousins are Mindy (John) Carter; Margie Ervin; Sandy and Brittany Knight; Josh and Carson Leach; and Caroline, Kevin (Jessica), Leslie, and Bryan Miyares.

Joey's stepfamily includes Larry, Lois, and Lawrence Curiale, Matthew Barone, Josh Duncan, and Sarah (Alex) Gillian.

Joey was loved by so many people, and each person has at least one "Joey" story. Tell it often and don't let these memories fade.

Both Lexington County Sheriff's Department and West Columbia Police Department personnel will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. A Memorial Service will be held at the Lexington Baptist Church Sunday, January 4, 2026. Service will begin at 2:00 PM with visitation to follow.

The family members wish to extend a sincere thanks to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, LC Fire Service, LC EMS, LC Coroner's office, and the West Columbia Police Department.

In lieu of flowers, Joey's wish is to assist ASPCA, Palmetto Lifeline, and/or St. Judes Hospital.

We Love and Miss You Jay-Bo.........