1944-2025
The final note of the great Joseph “Joe” Shull rang out on August 16, 2025 at the age of 81, but his song will echo forever. For over 60 years, he carried the blues in his bones and rhythm in his heart, turning life’s highs and lows into melodies that inspired peers, moved strangers and lit the way for generations of musicians to come.
Born with a guitar in his hands (or at least close enough), Joe was more than a musician- he was a storyteller, a teacher, a poet, a mentor and a man who knew how to make a crowd feel something deep. His music wasn’t just played; it was lived.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Catalina Francisca Pineda and father, Joseph
Shull.
Beyond the stage lights and smoky blues clubs, he was a devoted father to Catalina Isidora Shull and Joseph Julian Shull, and a proud grandfather to Hailie Catalina Shull who kept his rhythm alive with laughter and love. His family was the encore that meant the most. He will be greatly missed.
“The story of life is quicker than a blink of an eye, the story of love is hello and
goodbye…. Until we meet again”.
– Jimi Hendrix
Visitation is scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2025, from 12:00 to 8:00PM with a tribute gathering at 6:00PM.
Theme: We all know the bluesman had a funky style. We request attendees show up in their best Joe style apparel. Feel free to wear your favorite band t-shirts and groovy attire!
On Tuesday, August 26th , the chapel opens at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. to Guillen Community Cemetery, 9055 Boca Chica Blvd. in Brownsville, Tx.
Theme: “Hats off to Joe”. Joe had a collection of fedoras, Kangols, ball caps, and derby hats. Show up in a hat of your choice. All types welcome (sombreros, ball caps, top hats, berets and sun hats too)!
Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485.
To send flowers or a plant to the family in the memory of Joseph “Joe” Shull, please visit
https://didisflowershop.com/shop or call (956) 572-3872.
10 Comments
Sending my condolences love and prayers, from Lydia Flores Garza
Best guitarvplayer i ever played
To Joseph’s Family, my deepest condolences. Joseph was my classmate at Cummings Junior High in the early 50’s.
We all continued our friendship in the closely united BHS Class of 63 and thus, sharing some of our last moments with him at our
Class reunions. We all knew of his love for music. May he now play the harp in heaven joining his wife and many of his classmates.
Rest in peace, Joseph.
My condolences to the family and friends. He will be truly missed. We grew up together in the same neighborhood, went to the same schools. We had some great, unforgettable experiences. Thanks for the memories, Joseph.
Joseph was my neighbor from La 421 on East Jackson Street. We attended all schools together up to High School. He was a Marine Veteran n a Warrior.His love of music led him to become a great guitarist n I had the pleasure of listening to him n his band when he owned the Rising Sun Nightclub on Central Blvd. Rest in Peace my dear friend. Semper Fi!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🦅
As a fellow Maeine and friend of Joe, Iam sadden to hear about his death . Last time I saw Joe was at the Naval base in Corpus Christi back in 1968 . He will be truly missed. Playing his music for the Lord now. Temper Fi
AS A FELLOW MARINE AND FRIEND, IAM SADDEN TO HEAR ABOUT HIS DEATH. LAST TIME I SAW JOE WAS BACK IN 1968 AT THE NAVEL AIR BASE IN CORPUS CHRISTI ..SEMPER FI MARINE.
My most sincere condolences to to daughter Catalina & son Joseph and all the Pineda family. I’ve lost a great long time friend, classmate & football team mate. & a great blues man.
Joseph is already missed & forever loved!
RIP – Blessings
Arval Headrick
My most sincere condolences to to daughter Catalina & son Joseph and all the Pineda family. I’ve lost a great long time friend, classmate & football team mate. & a great blues man.
Joseph is already missed & forever loved!
RIP – Blessings
Arval Headrick
RIP to a good friend and great blues guitarist. Joe’s guitar playing ability encouraged some of us in the 421 Barrio to learn to play guitar. His tenure at the House of the Rising Sun will always be remembered by many of us…it was always a great trip. My sincerest condolences to the Shull and Pineda Family. Rest In Peace my friend.
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