Gospel preacher and brother to Perry Blue who also preached. He was born in Mt Pleasant, Izard County Arkansas, one of twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. John G. Blue. He married Miss Mary Montgomery on November 9, 1897. They lived on a farm in Morriston, Fulton County, Arkansas. He was a farmer/preacher for all his adult life. He and his wife gave birth to three children Cleo, Myrtle Hartman Greer and one child who died in infancy. They had one adopted daughter Mrs Arlie Lynch. He spent much of his life as an evangelist preaching across the country. His preaching style was straightforward sometimes spawning angry responses. He reported that he was attacked with eggs, walnuts, once found dynamite under his pulpit and preached while policemen stood guard to protect him. He did not preach for money and often traveled many miles to preach only to be paid so little that he would not have enough money to get home, yet he never complained. He preached for over fifty years.

Joe H. Blue was born September 18, 1875. Death has claimed another great man, gospel preacher and debater. Only one man remains with us that has held more debates than Brother Blue. C. R. Nichol is that man. I think that I know more about Brother Blue's early life as a preacher than any man living. It was through his teaching that I learned the truth. I was teaching singing schools in that section of the country and Brother Blue invited me to come and teach a singing school in his home community (Morriston, Ark.), in March of 1903. I began working on the farm for him in May of that year and he baptized me in Little Strawberry Creek near his home. From then on for several years I went with him and directed the singing in meetings for him. In all the years that I have known him and associated with him, I never heard of him turning down a call or asking how much will you pay. I was with him on several trips when we would not get our expenses. We were at the Glase Creek Church in Randolph County, north of Pocahontas, Ark., and without my knowledge or consent he announced at the close of the service one night that Brother Hays would preach the next day at 11:00 A. M. I protested, but without success. He said."Yes, you are going to be a preacher." I tried, and that was the beginning of my career as a preacher. I was with him in many meetings after that. He set many examples that have been of great value to me. He always stayed with the Book. He never rode a hobby. He never started a church fuss, although he was called on many times to help settle troubles, but he would never take side with anyone. He would plead with all concerned to stay with the Book. I am now seventy-five years old, and after forty-eighty years in evangelistic work, I have no regrets that I followed his advice to "Always stay with the Book." Though he has crossed over the Great Divide, his work still lives in the hearts and lives of many. I would to God that all gospel preachers would follow his example and advice. Oscar L. Hays. - Gospel Advocate December 9, 1954, page 981.