Joseph Edward Stearns, Jr., age 83, of Anderson, SC, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022, at AnMed Health Medical Center. Born May 23, 1938, in Salt Lake City, UT, he was the son of the late Joseph Edward Stearns and Mary Spindle Stearns. He was married to Henrietta "Penny" D'Amato Stearns until her death in 2018. Joseph served in the Army as a Green Beret, Special Operations officer during Vietnam. He received his master's degree in math education from the University of South Florida. He was a well-respected and loved teacher, football and swim team coach at St. Pete Catholic High School, then retired from Tri-County Technical College where he taught mathematics into his late 70's. After retirement, he continued to serve his community by volunteering at his church, Grace Episcopal, the Lights of Hope, and Sertoma. He is survived by his children, Joseph A. Stearns (Pamela), Lawrence E. Stearns, Deborah K. Stearns, Sara Stearns, and Nicholas Federlein; 8 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Celeste Lowie; and sister, Liz Williams. The family will receive friends Friday, February 11, 2022, from 7:00-9:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 11:00 am at Grace Episcopal Church with Father Jack Hardaway officiating. A committal service with military honors will be held on February 11, 2022 at 3:00 pm at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lights of Hope, Anderson Sertoma Club or Grace Episcopal Church. Events Visitation Friday, February 11, 2022 7:00PM - 9:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Funeral Service Saturday, February 12, 2022 11:00AM Grace Episcopal Church 711 S McDuffie St Anderson, SC 29624 Phone: 864-225-8011 Final Resting Place M.J. 'Dolly' Cooper Veterans Cemetery 140 Inway Drive Anderson, SC 29621