Richard Dale Joyner

Richard Joyner, 61, passed away peacefully at his home on March 21, 2025. He was a loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and a friend to many.

Richard was born to the late James Douglas and Linda Jean Joyner, and grew up alongside his brothers, James (Darlene) Joyner and Christopher Joyner; and his sister Dawn Joyner. He is preceded in death by his brother, JJ Joyner. He spent his life building strong bonds with his family and those around him. Richard shared 43 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sherry Joyner, creating a lifetime of memories together.

He was a proud and caring father to his sons, Joshua (Jessica) Joyner and Damion (Melonia) Joyner. His love extended to his grandchildren—Aiden, Morgan, Phoenix, Alice, Scott, and Kiresten—and many great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy and pride.

Richard was a man of many passions. He found peace in nature, whether he was camping under the stars, casting a fishing line into a quiet lake, or swimming on warm summer days. He had a creative soul and expressed himself beautifully through his drawings and heartfelt poetry. His love for the outdoors and his artistic spirit were a reflection of his appreciation for life’s simple joys.

Above all, Richard had a heart as big as the world. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and had an unwavering desire to make life better for those around him. His kindness and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

Richard’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. His warmth, creativity, and generosity will never be forgotten.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory consider spending time outdoors, enjoying nature as he so often did.

EUOLOGY SHARED BY HIS SON

Today, we gather to honor and remember the life of Richard Dale Joyner – my dad.

There’s no easy way to sum up a man like him, but if I had to try, I’d say he was a force, strong-willed, intelligent and endlessly creative. He walked through life with a grit that was impossible to ignore. My dad was the kind of man who worked hard with his hands, with his mind and with his heart. Whether it was building something, fixing something, or pouring himself into his art, he found purpose in creating and giving.

He wasn’t a perfect man – none of us are – but he never let that stop him from trying. Even in the moments when fatherhood was hard for him, he made sure me and my brother were taken care of. We never went without what we needed. And more than that, he pushed me to be better – to be stronger, to hold m y head up high even when the world tried to knock me down.

He was stubborn as hell and he could be tough. But underneath that rough exterior was a heart bigger than most. He helped people, sometimes without being asked and often without expecting anything in return. That was just who he was. He gave when he could, and sometimes even when he couldn’t.

He loved to draw and to write -those were the ways he expressed what words sometimes couldn’t. Through his art, he showed pieces of himself that many didn’t always see, his imagination, his sensitivity, his soul. My dad maybe gone from this world, but I carry him with me in the lessons he taught me, in the strength he passed down, and in the love, he gave – imperfect, but real.

Rest easy, Dad. You did more than you know, and I’ll keep making you proud.