Joe David Giltner, 82, of Flat Rock, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, with Linda Weir Giltner, his loving wife of 30 years, by his side. Despite living with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, Joe retained his gentle southern charm and jovial spirit. Family and friends were with him every step of the way, and he had an endless supply of smiles and dance moves for each one of them. Joe’s light shines on through the many lives he touched.
Joe was born on July 28, 1944, in Sanford, North Carolina and was raised in Chester, South Carolina, where the Giltner family was established for many generations. He graduated from Chester High School in 1962 and served as a Senate page in Washington, D.C. He went on to earn his associate degree in 1964 from Wingate College and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland in 1973.
Joe returned to his hometown of Chester, where he founded Giltner Tax Service and worked as an accountant for more than 25 years, all while raising his two sons. In 1998, Joe and Linda expanded the business by purchasing Alverson’s Accounting in Chesnee, South Carolina. For the next 15 years, Joe and Linda successfully managed both offices and worked side by side. In 2017, they retired to the Bonclarken ARP Conference community in Flat Rock, North Carolina.
Joe was an environmental advocate and a long-standing member of the Sierra Club, serving as Treasurer of the South Carolina chapter for ten years. In his professional life, he served as President and Treasurer of the National Association of Tax Professionals.
Joe was an active member of St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church in Flat Rock. He generously gave his time to the church, often driving the golf cart on Sundays and helping with the breakfast team. His faith was an important part of his life, and he regularly participated in Holy Hikes, Men’s Bible Study, Evening Prayer, and Healing Services each week. Through his faith and fellowship, Joe found great joy in being part of the church community and sharing his time with others.
Joe delighted in activities that allowed him to travel, explore, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature. He especially loved camping with his family, fishing with his boys, canoeing, swimming anywhere they found water, or simply sitting outside in his backyard. He was a voracious reader of The Wall Street Journal. Joe and Linda were often the first ones on the dance floor. For many years, they hosted a very special outdoor adventure week for their grandchildren called Camp NannaHa. For Joe, the greatest adventures were not necessarily the biggest ones. They were the moments spent together, telling stories, laughing, dancing, and making memories with the people he loved most.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joe Harvey and Lucille Crosby Giltner. He is survived by his wife, Linda Weir Giltner; his two sons, Greg Giltner of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Pierce Giltner (Heather White) of Bluffton, SC; his three step-daughters; Elizabeth Perron (Gerald) of James Island, SC, Lauren Bradley (Jonathan) of Columbia, SC and Amanda Setty (Rohit) of McLean, VA; his grandchildren who affectionately called him “HaHa”, Pearl, Vivian & Holden Giltner, Lily & Max Perron, Harris & Cate Bradley, and Shalini & Gayatri Setty; a sister Pamela Eaton and brother, Sam Giltner; many nieces, cousins and friends.
A funeral service followed by reception will be held at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church on October 3, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Interment will be at Hopewell ARP Church cemetery in Blackstock, SC on October 4, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Family will be available to share loving memories of Joe with you following both services.
In lieu of flowers donations are suggested for the Alzheimer’s Association, (www.alz.org) and St John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church (https://www.stjohnflatrock.org/)
“Be honest, loving, and kind,” Joe Gilter.