Joe Hal Carothers age 81, of Kempner passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024 at his home. Joe was born March 31, 1943 in Big Springs, Texas to Joseph William and Sarah Carothers, His family later moved to Coryell County where he grew up on the family farm with his three siblings, Bobby, Carol Ann and Gary. Joe was a gifted athlete at Gatesville High School.
He was named Most Valuable Back, 2nd team All-State Quarterback and 3rd team All-State Defensive Back for Football in 1960. In the regional finals playoff game against Taylor, Joe earned the nickname “Golden Toe Joe” after kicking the game winning field goal with time expired. Joe and the entire 1960 football team were inducted into the Gatesville Hall of Fame in 2021.
He graduated Gatesville High School with the Class of 1961. After High School Joe attended Texas Christian University on a football scholarship later transferring to Tarleton State University in Stephenville and then to Baylor Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate in May of 1972. Joe opened his first law practice in Kingsland, TX in 1973.
He moved his firm to the Copperas Cove area in 1974 where Land Exchange Abstract & Title and his law practice have served the area for the past 50 years. In 1981, Joe opened Land Exchange Abstract & Title in Killeen venturing into the Bell County market. Joe valued and appreciated his customers, the Realtor community and the Homebuilders he was able to serve over the years.
Joe was an exceptional leader for all o.