Joe Cathey entered the military service in North Carolina. He served in the 321st Quartermaster Labor Battalion as a Private during World War I. Joe died on April 4, 1919 and is now buried in the St. Mihiel American Cemetery, Thiaucourt, France.

From the "Statement Concerning Capital Sentences Adjudged by General Courts-Martial Against Members of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe and Carried Into Execution": PRIVATE JOE CATHEY, Company A, 321st Labor Battalion, was convicted of murder and assault with intent to commit rape. The victim was a French woman. In the attempt to accomplish his purpose Private Cathey threw her to the ground, knelt upon her body and placed the barrel of his revolver in her mouth to prevent her calling for help. An unarmed French civilian, upon whom the victim called for help, was shot by Private Cathay and died from the effects of the wound. On account of the desperate struggles of the victim Private Cathay dropped his revolver and the victim managed to escape before he accomplished his purpose. These offenses were committed at Chateau Thierry, Aisne, France, on October 27, 1918. Private Cathay was executed near Is-sur-Tille, Department of Cote d'Or, France, on April 4, 1919.