Joseph Ray Livingston, 73, of Glendale Ave., NC departed this earthly life on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at his residence.

He was born August 12, 1952, in Rowan County to the late Augusta Livingston and the late Minnie "Lois" (Rose) Livingston.

Joseph was educated in the Rowan County School System and was a 1971 graduate of South Rowan High School. Joseph served in the US Army for 12 years where he received an Honorable Discharge. He was formerly employed with various Nursing Homes. Joseph worked with his father custodian Augusta Livingston.

Joseph was a member of Sandy Ridge AME Zion Church where he served on the Usher Board, Steward Board and Lay Council member for 2023-2024.

Services will be on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Sandy Ridge AME Zion Church, 1425 Mt. Moriah Church Road, Landis, NC. Visitation will be 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM with services at 2:00 PM.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Julis Streater.

Cherishing his memory are his son, Alkeen Ray Houston of Salisbury, NC; five grandchildren; one stepdaughter, Mesha Houston of Newton, NC; two sisters, Evelyn Russell (Ben) and Cynthia Livingston both of Kannapolis, NC; three brothers, Jerry Livingston (Carolyn) of Zebulon, NC, Terry Livingston (Darlene) of Huntersville, NC, Grant Livingston of Granite Quarry, NC; one aunt, Joyce Bennett of Bronx, NY; two uncles, Donald Rose (Brenda) of Bronx, NY, Johnny Griffin of Bay Shore, Long Island and  a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.