Joseph William McInturff Jr.'s Obituary
Mr. Joseph William “Joe” McInturff, Jr., passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, at Hospice in Palm Harbor, Florida, at the age of 83. Born on May 27, 1942, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Joe was raised as an infant in Strasburg, Virginia, in the family home on Fort Hill. In 1954, he moved with his family to Belleair, Florida, where he graduated from Clearwater High School in 1960.
Joe’s life was defined by his deep love for family, his unwavering work ethic, and his remarkable ability to fix just about anything. From a young age, he was drawn to working on cars—a passion that would become both a career and a calling. He began his automotive journey at the downtown Ft. Harrison Gulf Station in the 1960s under Bill Shurtleff. He later honed his skills at Highland Shell and Yates Auto, specializing in radiator repair. His expertise led him to LaPointe and Weeks Body Shop before he took a bold step and opened his own business: Sunshine Radiator on Ulmerton Road in Largo. For 18 years, Joe owned Sunshine Radiator with dedication and pride. Over the course of more than 35 years in the field, he became known for his mastery of radiator, gas tank, and auto A/C repair.
Even after retiring from auto repair, Joe remained active and engaged with people—working for 13 years in the produce department at Walmart. Whether behind a radiator or arranging fresh fruit displays, Joe brought patience and pride to everything he did. He was always patient and understanding and accepting of others. Everyone enjoyed working with him and he would always keep things calm, figure out a better way to do something making it easier for everyone, creating a good working environment. Most of all he had a wonderful sense of humor. Everyone enjoyed his funny take on things and quick wit.
Joe married the love of his life and Best Friend, Beth Ann (Schneider) McInturff, with whom he shared 58 wonderful years of marriage. Their union was one of mutual respect and enduring affection—a bond that began when Joe broke his youthful vow never to marry after falling deeply in love with Beth. Together they raised two children: Daniel Monroe McInturff and Sheri Ann Longworth (Lee). Joe often expressed immense pride in their accomplishments and strong work ethic. The arrival of their granddaughter Samantha Ann Longworth brought even greater joy into their lives—Joe called her “Perfect” and cherished every moment spent with her.
He shared a special connection with his twin sister, Josephine McInturff Gutwerk. He also held close ties with many nieces and nephews: Patricia Kenly of Atlanta, GA; Helen Carbaugh Pyne (Michael) and Margaret Carbaugh Wolfrays (Kenneth), both of Stephens City, VA; Heather Gutwerk vonTagen (Luke) of Preston, CT; Louis Carbaugh (Jackie) of Stephens City, VA; Guy C. Goss of Norwich, NY; Glenn P. Goss (Mary) of Brooksville, FL; and Tyler Trowell of Warner Robbins, GA.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph W. McInturff Sr. and Helen Kronk McInturff; as well as his sisters Helen Jane McInturff Carbaugh (Melvin) and Eleanor McInturff Kenly (Arnold) and Nephew Joseph Melvin Carbaugh.
A man of quiet faith and deep spiritual grounding, Joe was raised Lutheran—his mother played organ at their church in Strasburg before they became members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clearwater. Later in life she played the organ at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Dunedin. He prayed often and felt truly blessed throughout his life.
In addition to his professional talents and devotion to family, Joe had a lifelong curiosity and love for learning. He enjoyed reading books, magazines, and newspapers daily. His love for animals, be it his own pets or others. They made him smile and would always gravitate to him and his calm demeanor.
He was an avid fan of football, hockey, and NASCAR racing. When not watching sports or reading up on the latest news or repair techniques, he could be found tinkering in his workshop—repairing or building things often with tools passed down from his father. He often said with admiration: “My father could do more with one arm than I can with two.” Joe had a gift for making things not only functional again but often better than before—and if something couldn’t be fixed, he’d repurpose it for future use.
He also loved taking road trips to North Carolina and Virginia to see friends and family and around Florida with Beth by his side—especially when they included stops at historical museums & sites that sparked stories from the past.
Joe’s legacies is one of humility, hard work, resourcefulness, faithfulness to family and friends—and above all else, love. His hands built a life full of purpose; his heart filled it with meaning.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Moss Feaster Funeral home in Clearwater.
May Joseph William “Joe” McInturff Jr.’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire those who carry forward the torch he so proudly passed on.
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