Joseph C. Alvey, 78, known to many simply as “Judge,” took his last breath on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in the home he built himself in 1970 and lived there for more than 55 years.
Born on September 29, 1946, to Bernard “Gunny” and Mary Belle Alvey, in Rockport, Joe was a proud, life-long resident of Rockport and a beloved fixture in the community.
Joe was a man of many hats—and even more tattoos. With a big heart and a one-of-a-kind personality, you never quite knew what you’d get with Joe—but you always knew it would be real. He was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and had a deep love for his family, friends, and hometown.
He owned and operated Joe’s Gun Shop for many years, a place he poured his pride and passion into. He started off as a deer checking station and shortly thereafter, he quickly turned his lifelong dream into a reality, when he opened Joe’s Guns. In addition to being a local business owner, Joe served the city of Rockport as City Judge for over 15 years. He took great pride in public service, and his courtroom was known as much for his fairness as it was for his straight talk and signature presence.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Charlie Alvey, Leo Alvey, Bill Alvey, and Frances Canada.
He is survived by his loving sisters, Ida Smith (John), Lizzy Freeman, and brother Wyman Alvey Sr.; his children, Robin Crawley (Gene), Dayna Wilkinson, and Randy Alvey (Michelle); his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and his devoted longtime companion, Sharon Schulte and her family.
To know Joe was to know someone who would give you the shirt off his back. His presence will be missed deeply, but his legacy lives on in all the lives he touched.
Joe’s family would like to thank Heart 2 Heart Hospice and all of their wonderful nurses and CNAs for their support and care on his journey. They would also like to thank his granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Wilkinson, for her constant support in his last days.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 until 4 p.m. Saturday, August 2, at Boultinghouse Funeral Home in Rockport, with a service at 4 p.m., officiated by Pastor Carl Jones.
Friends may leave a condolence for the family at www.BoultinghouseFuneralHome.com.
