Joel Rainier Stanback was born to Mary A. Stanback and James Hawkins in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on June 20, 1962

He attended the public schools of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and was a member of the 1980 graduating class of Parkland High School.

Joel began his early Christian education at Mount Zion Baptist Church where he joined and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Dr. Kelly O. P. Goodwin. During his lifelong membership, he exercised the tenets of his faith as a member of the Saint Mark Group of the Laymen's League and a former member of the Men's Usher Board.

His varied work history included management positions at both Wendy's and Burger King Restaurants. He was also a driver for The Willard Cab Company.

Joel was very athletic as a young man and was affectionately called "Big Doom A Loom" by his friends in Happy Hill Gardens. "Big Doom" loved boxing and jazz music. He was a mama's boy; tender hearted, mild tempered and first and forever loved by his mother, Mary.

Brother Stanback was a past master of Ionic Lodge #72 of the 24th Masonic District of Prince Hall Masons.

Joel Rainier Stanback answered the Lord's call to come home from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center  in Winston-Salem on Friday, March 21, 2025, following a period of illness.

The unspeakable joy that awaits him in heaven is the hope and promise of those who look forward to a reunion with him in eternity. Survivors include his mother, Mary A. Stanback; his father, James Brantley (Wanda) Hawkins; his children, Shayla Stanback and Zachary James;  sisters and brothers, Dana Stanback, Cara (Fred) Byas, Tony Hawkins, Erick Stanback, Kimm (Derek) Pleasants, and Shanon Stanback; his aunts, Frances Stanback and Hope Braithwaite; four devoted cousins, Courtland Green, Masika Braithwaite, Pamela Hawkins and Monica Hawkins; several extended family members and friends

A service of memory will be held 1:00 pm Saturday March 29, 2025 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12:30pm-1:00pm on Saturday at the church. There will be no public viewing.

Services will be livestreamed at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mount-zion-the-joy