Joseph Ray “Joe” Back was born in Whitesburg, Kentucky, to the late Ray and Beulah Back, on February 28, 1964. Joe spent his childhood playing in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Kentucky, riding horses, hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, and four-wheeling. In 1986, he joined the Letcher Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for many years. He was hired by the Whitesburg Fire Department in 1993, became assistant fire chief in 1998, and served there until the day he passed in October of 2023. Joe died while responding to an EMS call. He was at the scene assisting an elderly patient when he unexpectedly collapsed.

Joe left behind his wife of over 32 years, Lia, and his son, Matthew. Joe loved spending time with his wife and son at their farm in Blackey, Kentucky. They cared for their horses, dogs, cat, and chickens, as well as raising a huge garden every spring. They spent countless hours together riding horses and four-wheeling in the mountains they loved. Joe loved to hunt and always had a hunting dog. He would hunt with his childhood friends and cousins most nights, weather permitting

Joe was a humble, simple man. He enjoyed watching the Andy Griffith Show with his son, Matthew. He liked sitting on the front porch of his farmhouse, drinking a cup of coffee and watching the horses graze. He loved his Massey Ferguson tractor left to him by his dad. He plowed and cared for a huge garden yearly, as well as using his tractor to mow his many acres of farmland.

Joe loved serving as assistant fire chief in Whitesburg. The town is small, and he knew most everyone. Joe could walk up and down Main Street and chat with the store owners on a first-name basis. He loved eating at the local restaurants and was well known in town. He was known for helping others, always kind and caring on his EMS runs. He was friends with everyone, not only at the fire department, but at the police department and city hall as well. He was often sitting on a chair in the fire bay with several other firemen or police officers enjoying the latest talk of the town.

Joe died while doing exactly what he loved, on an EMS run, helping a patient in need. Joe was always a servant, dedicated fireman, very loved husband and father, and best friend to so many. If you knew Joe, you will always miss him but take comfort in the legacy he left. Joe is enjoying the benefits of his well lived life in Heaven and looking forward to his family and friends meeting him there.