Joel Thomas Mendoza

April 20, 1983 - January 15, 2017

Joel Thomas Mendoza, 33, of Concord, NC, passed away suddenly during the early hours of Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, in Amarillo, Texas. His death was very unexpected. Joel was born in Charlotte, NC, on April 20, 1983. By one minute, he was the older of twin boys born to Rick and Nancy Mendoza. He grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Northwest Cabarrus High School in 2001. After graduating, he worked small jobs in retail before doing fabrication work in manufacturing. There, he came to realize his true dream of obtaining his CDL and becoming an OTR driver with his own truck. He was in Texas with his mentor finishing his training with Prime, Inc, after which he would have had his own truck. Joel enjoyed many things in life. He was fond of fishing, playing chess, fantasy football and an avid college basketball fan. A fan of his hometown teams, he loved cheering for the Panthers and Tar Heels. He also attended First Church in Charlotte. Joel will be remembered for his love of fishing, his favorite friend: his dog Dexter and his love of sports. Joel enjoyed going camping with his brother Joshua and Dad. Growing up, Joel enjoyed spending time playing pool with his brothers and Dad. Some of Joel's happiest times would be when his Mother would take him to Chick-Fil-A or Bojangles for a random lunch or dinner. What Joel loved most, however, was the time spent with family and friends and he will be missed. Joel is survived by his parents, Rick & Nancy, siblings: Daniel (Mandi), Benjamin (Karina), twin Joshua (Amanda), step-sister Sara, grandmother Agnes, nephews Luke, Ben, Owen, Tucker, niece Ava and dear friend Maria Floren. Joel is further survived by numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents and paternal grandparent. As a member of First Church, all of Joel’s services will be held there, 4929 North Sharon Amity, Charlotte, NC 28205. A gathering of friends and family will take place there on Friday, January 20, from 6 to 8 pm. On Saturday, friends may also gather at the church from 11 am until the time of services at noon. At that time, Pastor David Elms will lead a service to celebrate the life, love and blessing of Joel. Following the service, Joel will be taken to his final place of earthly rest at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Charlotte. We will always cherish in our hearts and minds the memories we were blessed to share with Joel. Joel’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for them. For additional details, please call 704-545-3553. Memorials in his name may be placed online at https://www.gofundme.com/funeral-costs-for-joel-mendoza