Joel Shannon Utley II, passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at age 66 near his home in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife Thesa, mother Violet Crain, brother Robert Utley, children Joel Utley III of Portland, Oregon, Joshua Utley and wife Leslie of Sibley, Louisiana, Jennifer Wilhite and husband Jeffrey of Shreveport, Louisiana, grandsons Maxwell and Benjamin Utley, and Jack and James Wilhite, and numerous nieces and extended family. He is preceded in death by his father J. Shannon Utley and infant brother Billy Utley.
Joel was born on February 8, 1955 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and lived there for much of his life. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1978 earning a Bachelor of Accountancy degree. During his undergraduate studies, he played football for the Sooners under coach Barry Switzer. In 1996, he earned his Juris Doctor of Law from Tulsa University. Three years later, he got his Master of Taxation.
He had his own Law and CPA firm in Tulsa, Tahlequah, and Sallisaw, He was a certified public accountant, certified internal auditor, licensed Oklahoma private investigator, and licensed real estate broker in Oklahoma. He was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1997 and the New York Bar Association in 2010. He also served as an adjunct instructor at Tulsa Community College and University of Phoenix.
Joel had many interests throughout his life and accomplished anything he put his mind to, including summiting Mount Rainer in Washington. He loved to travel. He journeyed from coast to coast in the US and especially enjoyed his trip to Israel. He enjoyed camping, hunting, and anything in the wilderness. Most recently, he found a love for animals, gardening, and tending to the family’s beautiful property in Sallisaw. He loved Jesus and gave thanks to Him every day for the blessings in life.
He was larger than life and will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.
There will be a viewing from 9 AM to 1 PM on Tuesday, May 18th at Forever Memories Funeral Services, 463505 Hwy 101, Sallisaw, OK 74955. A memorial service for Mr. Utley will be held in the afternoon of the 18th at 3:30 PM, in the First Assembly of God Church, Sallisaw, Oklahoma. There will not be a graveside service.
Arrangements are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services, 463505 Hwy 101, Sallisaw, OK. www.fmfsinc.com
