Joseph "Joey" Lee Ference's Obituary
Joseph “Joey” Lee Ference, 55, lifelong resident of Gainesville, FL, passed away on January 21, 2026. Joey was born on January 30, 1970, in Gainesville, FL to Earl and Geraldine (Puryear) Ference. He graduated from Buchholz High School in 1988 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Stetson University.
Joey was known for his heart of gold, devotion to sports, and love for the open air. When he wasn’t watching the Florida Gators play, you would find him chasing the thrill of a tug on his fishing line. He never met a sunset that didn’t captivate him or a lake that didn’t deserve a cast. Nature was his sanctuary – where he felt closest to God.
Joey was, above all else, a devoted father & proud “girl dad” to his three daughters – Haley, Jolie, & Kaydin. Joey believed his greatest legacy wasn’t found in trophies or titles, but in teaching his girls how to bait a hook, light fireworks on any given night, & wear their hearts proudly. He was their unwavering protector and their biggest cheerleader. In every laugh and every lesson, he left an irreplaceable mark on their hearts, one that will be carried forward for the rest of their lives.
Joey is survived by his daughters, Haley Ference (Hunter Anderson), Jolie Ference, and Kaydin Ference, the three greatest adventures of his life. His beloved, Shea Ference, mother of his children; his father, Earl Ference (Janice Baur); his sister, Cathy Ference Read (Stephen Read); his brother, Jeff Ference (Mandy Rossmeyer); and his grandchildren, Fletcher & Fowler Anderson. He is preceded in death by his mom, Geraldine “Gerry” Ference.
A Celebration to honor Joey’s life will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Gainesville 14105 N.W. 39th Ave. Gainesville, FL. with Dr. Greg Magruder as officiant. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home 823 N.W. 143rd Street Newberry, FL.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph "Joey"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph "Joey"?
Share a story where Joseph "Joey"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph "Joey" you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph "Joey" make you smile?