Joe Wolfe, former prisoner who now helped others, dies

Ormond Beach Observer
News

Joe Wolfe, who used his experience to help prisoners in a ministry called Spirit Light Outreach, has died. Friends report that he was found “peacefully sitting in his rocking chair” on the morning of Oct. 27.

Wolfe, 66, was featured in the Oct. 27 edition of the Observer.

Wolfe‘s early life included a prison sentence for robbery, but he later became a minister with Pathways of Light. He had been helping prisoners through his own ministry, Spirit Light Outreach, for several years.

He had planned an event to benefit prisoners called “Love is the Only Answer,” and it is still set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5, at Unitarian Universalist Church, 56 Halifax Ave.

Friends called police after finding the body and it was taken by the medical examiner to determine the cause of death. A spokesman for the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said the cause appeared to be medical. Wolfe had been treated recently at a hospital for chest pains and shortage of breath, the incident report stated.

Wolfe was from Chicago and his family will make arrangements for services there.

“He had found his purpose in life,” said Joan Baliker, of Ormond Beach, who met Wolfe in a class. “He was dedicated to prisoners.”

The suggested donation for “Love is the Only Answer” is $69, but no one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay, according to promotional material. To preregister, visit spiritlightoutreach.org and click Events.