Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
SPRINGFIELD - Joseph Eugene “Joey” Counts Jr., 65, of Springfield, S.C., passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Emanuel Community Church in Springfield, S.C., with the Reverends Johnnie Baker, Henry Cooper and Danny Stroman officiating and Avery Head speaking. Burial will follow in Springfield Cemetery. The family received friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Folk Funeral Home in Williston, S.C.
Born in Orangeburg County, Joey was the son of the late Joseph Eugene “Buster” Counts Sr. and Betty Wolfe Fletcher. He was a member of Emanuel Community Church, a graduate of HKT, and a graduate of the Criminal Justice Academy. Joey spent several years serving as a deputy sheriff with the Barnwell and Orangeburg County sheriff’s departments and was also a member of the Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce. He also worked for 22 years in the Ecology Lab at Savannah River Site.
Over the years, he earned numerous certifications, including welding, steam mechanic, and forklift certifications. A true jack-of-all-trades, Joey had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything. He was a passionate farmer and skilled farm mechanic who could repair virtually any piece of farm equipment.
Joey especially treasured time spent at the Pond House, where he enjoyed cooking for family and friends. Many good times were also shared at the cook shed, where Joey loved entertaining those around him and playing the mandolin. He previously owned Joey’s Bar-B-Que, combining his love of good food with his gift for bringing people together.
An outdoorsman at heart, Joey loved fishing and hunting, but some of his greatest joy came from sharing those passions with his grandchildren and teaching them about the outdoors. He made friends everywhere he went and had a personality all his own. Joey was truly one of a kind—a man whose stories, laughter, talents, and unforgettable character left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a loyal friend to many and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
Survivors include his loving companion, Jennifer Rikard of the home; son, Joseph “Zach” Counts (Ashton) of Springfield, S.C.; daughter, Jennifer Elma Counts of Springfield, S.C.; daughters-in-love, Rebecca Lauren Head and her fiancé, Forrest Coleman of Batesburg, S.C., Alicia Marie Head of Leesville, S.C., and Stefanie Renee Head; son-in-love, Steven “Avery” Head of Leesville, S.C.; grandchildren, Haiden Counts, Harper Counts, Baylor Tardiff, and Bastian Gantt; sister, Pam C. Carroll; niece, Kerry (Kevin) Watson; nephew, George (Cecily) Carroll Jr.; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joey was preceded in death by his stepmother, Eleanor Hallman Counts.
Folk Funeral Home, Inc. Crematory, Williston, S.C. is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.
