Joel Erwin Lopp

Joel Erwin Lopp, 63, passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Davidson County.

Joel was born on February 17, 1962, in Charleston, SC to the late Leonard Lopp and Gaynell Lopp. He moved to Davidson County, NC in 2003 with his parents in order for all of them to be close to extended family.

Joel’s greatest gifts were his generous spirit and his faith. He was always ready to help everyone, and spent his adult life volunteering for groups such as The Red Cross, Crisis Ministries of Lexington, and Community Church. Joel loved to give, and if you ever complimented something he owned, he would be sure to take note of that and buy you one as well!

Joel had simple abiding faith in God and he boldly told people about it. He wasn’t preachy, he just wanted people to know that his faith in God had not only saved his soul, but also saved his life.

In Joel’s better days of health, he was a small engine mechanic and could fix most any lawnmower, weed eater, or chainsaw. He also got great joy from camping, especially if he could do some Dutch oven cooking for a crowd.

Joel was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Stephens Lopp.

Joel always lived at home and his presence will be sorely missed. Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Linda Gaynell Jarrett Lopp, his sister Ginger Bitterman, nieces and nephews Lynette Bitterman Stewart (Michael), Chris Bitterman Jr (Erin), William Bitterman, and Valerie Bitterman, five great nieces and nephews who always made him laugh, his brother in law Chris Bitterman, a cute little shih-tzu named Fluffy, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

A graveside service will be held to honor Joel at Forest Hill Cemetery on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers memorials and donations may be made to the Red Cross or to Davidson County First Hope Ministries.