This obituary was originally published on Rogers & Breece Funeral Home.
Joe Acosta was born on April 24, 1951, in Los Angeles, California, the oldest of eight siblings. In 1964, his family moved to Fayetteville when his father, Command Sergeant Major Jose Carpio Acosta, was stationed at Fort Bragg. Fayetteville remained his home for the rest of his life. Joe graduated from Pine Forest High School, Class of 1969, where he developed a lifelong love of sports. He later played men’s softball in the early 1980s, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Joe worked in the grocery business beginning in 1979, later working for Lance Corp., and eventually retiring from CC Top Shop in Fayetteville.
Above all, Joe loved his family. He was a proud “girl dad” to his daughters, Leila Jo and Casey Gray, spending many years coaching their championship softball teams and building meaningful connections with players and families alike. His joy grew even more as he became “Papa Joe” to his grandchildren, Lindsay Gray Jarrett (Brandon), Morgan Scarbrough, Easton Pierce, and “Great Papa Joe” to his great-grandson, Theo Stephen Jarrett
Joe was always ready for a good time, especially surrounded by his large Mexican family. The grill, a cold drink, and good company were his happy place. He loved being near the water, with his Castaways at Gilligans Island at White Lake or the beach – fishing and relaxing. Anyone who knew Joe knew his biggest passions were his Carolina Tar Heels and Miami Dolphins.
Joe passed away on January 1, 2026, after a courageous fight, never losing his smile and always throwing up a peace sign. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Kissito Bland Nursing and Rehabilitation in Bastain, VA, for their compassionate care and for treating Joe like family.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Carpio Acosta and Helen Rubio Acosta; siblings Arthur and Maria; nephew Kyle Elmore; and his brothers-in-law Ed Stern, Basil Bolton, George Martin, Eddie Massey and Joey Goembel.
He is survived by his daughters Leila (Daryl) and Casey (Rex); brother Robert (Hilda); sisters Yoly, Dolores, Barbara (Allen), and Tencha; grandchildren Lindsay (Brandon), Morgan, and Easton; great-grandson Theo; his nieces Marie, Tina, Marinda, Christina, Jenifer, Elena, Martika, Blair, and Patty; and nephews Christopher, Jonathan, Edward, Boris, Arthur, Will along with many extended family members whom he cherished deeply including The Rubios, Acostas, Goembels, Folwells, Martins, Masseys and Daniels.
Celebration of Life:
Services will be held at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the a service at noon. In Joe’s memory, guests are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably, with Carolina blue, Tar Heels, Miami Dolphins, or favorite team attire welcomed. Family and friends are invited to gather afterwards at North View Lanes (5307 Ramsey St. directly across from Methodist University) for food and fellowship.