Joshua Mitchell Veal

Joshua Mitchell Veal, age 50, of Tellico Plains, received his Heavenly healing and arrived home on February 20, 2025, with his loving wife, children, and family by his side. He was born to Jerry Veal and Rebecca (Bryson) Veal on September 9, 1974 at Blount Memorial Hospital.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca Ann (Bryson) Veal; mamaw, Birdie (Tucker) Veal; papaw, Eugene Veal; granny, Neita Garrett; and aunt, Jena Smith.

Josh was a graduate of Tellico Plains High School, Class of 1993. He continued his education at Hiwassee College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Forestry in May of 1999. He began his career with the Forest Service in 2001 as one of the original members of the USFS Cherokee Hotshot Crew, based out of the Unicoi Ranger District. Josh worked for the Tellico Ranger District until 2008 when he began working for the Modoc National Forest in Tulelake, CA. Josh worked on the Klamath National Forest in Fire as a Prevention Officer in Macdoel, CA. He later accepted a Public Affairs Officer position on the Klamath. Most recently, Josh has been a Public Affairs Officer on the Huron-Manistee Forest in Cadillac, Michigan. He then accepted a position in Strategic Communications with the Eastern Regional Office. Josh loved the Lord his Savior and was so thankful for the many blessings in his life. His love for life and kindness to others showed in his actions. He was a man of his word. Josh enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his wife and best friend Angie. He loved trout fishing with his father and son on the Tellico River. Josh enjoyed being outdoors or taking a ride in his mustang on a sunny day. He enjoyed camping in the Nevada desert, grilling, hikes in the forest, the fall of the year, Christmas, and just spending quality time with his family. Anyone that has spent time with Josh would know he was the biggest UT Vols fan ever, and sports were a big part of his life. He also passed his love for his team down to his children and grandchildren. Josh loved and cherished his family, friends, and USFS family. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Angela Veal; father and mother, Jerry and Carolyn (Garrett) Veal; sister, Jessica (Brian) Ferguson; brothers, Sky (Keshia) Veal and Caleb (Danielle) Smith; the mother of his children, Leslie (Josh) Moore; children, Olivia, Tucker, Amelia, and Campbell Veal, Emily (Andrew) Pasion, and Samuel (Maggie) Buckner; grandchildren, Lennox Deniz and Avery Pasion; nephews, Noah (Morgan) Veal, Tidus Veal, Garren Hamilton, and Holden Smith; nieces, Haven Smith and Sydney (Cameron) Frye; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025 at Myers Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Rick Harris officiating. Following the service family and friends will proceed to Living Waters Memorial Gardens for the committal service. Noah Veal, Tidus Veal, Garren Hamilton, Scott Davis, Robert Thomas, and Mark Taylor will serve as pallbearers.