Bobby Lee Joyner- Send Condolences

January 4, 2011

Bobby Lee Joyner

Bobby Lee ‘Bob’ Joyner of Nashville, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012, surrounded by his loving children.

Bob was especially proud of two things, his military service and his family.  In 1957 Bob joined the US Army and served in the Corp of Engineers, retiring in 1977.  During his military career he served two tours of duty in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat. He received other military recognition including Letters of Appreciation and Commendation.  Bob was an active member of the Nashville American Legion Post and enjoyed spending time with other military men.  On July 4, 2011, Bob was recognized as one of one hundred military personnel selected to have his right hand bronzed and displayed on the Oath of Service Wall at the Veterans Memorial Park in Fayetteville.  Bob was very humbled by his selection to represent Nash County’s service men and women.

Bob married his Sweetheart, Mae Sasser, in April 1957 and always said she was the perfect Army Wife.  Mae took care of settling the family while he went straight to work.  Between them they made it look easy.  Bob loved spending time with his wife and three children, Terri, Scott and Lori.  When Bob retired from the Army in 1977 he brought his family back home to Nashville.  Here he made a name for himself as the ‘Swing Man’, making handmade porch swings, gliders and other outdoor furniture.  He put his talent to work in the community by organizing fellow retirees to form Community Christian Services.  The group does odd jobs for people unable to get the work done otherwise.  Most notable is the groups’ work building wheelchair ramps.  Bob said seeing the face of someone who can now get in and out of their home was payment enough.  There is no charge for the labor of love. In 2002 Bob was recognized as Nashville’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year for his dedication and voluntarism.

Bob was an active 30 year member of the Oak Level Ruritan Club serving as President and on the Board of Directors.  On December 12, 2011 Bob was recognized for 30 years of perfect attendance and was awarded the Tom Downing Fellow for his unselfish personal efforts.  This is one of the highest awards given by the Ruritan National Foundation. Bob joined Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in 1977, where he served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School Superintendent and Chairman of the Christian Education Committee.  He was instrumental in starting the Circle of Friends monthly family night supper. 

Bob’s life leaves a lasting legacy including the many lives he touched and the many projects in which he had a hand.  He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mae Sasser Joyner, their three children Terri Arnette and her husband Glenn of Raleigh, Scott Joyner and his wife Linda of Charlotte and Lori Fisher and her husband Mark of Raleigh and his six grandchildren Evander Charles Arnette, Brennen Lee Arnette, Bryce John Willis, Mikayla Grace Joyner, Isabelle Mae Fisher and Bennett White Fisher.  He is also survived by his siblings Lois Jones, Jane Matthews (Bob), Ethel ‘Doodle’ Daniels, Faye Carter (Bruce), Joyce Puckett (John), Joan Daniels, Helen Tyner, Phil Joyner, Diane Briggs (Wood), Harry Joyner (Lori) and Bennie Joyner (Kelle), sisters–in-law Joyce Joyner and Evangeline ‘Bunch’ Joyner, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Bennie Lee and Estelle Joyner and siblings J.B. Joyner, Buddy Joyner and Eunice Joyner Frazier.

Visitation will be Friday January 6, 2012 from 6:00-8:00PM at Cornerstone Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Saturday January 7, 2012 at 11:00AM at Nashville Baptist Church of Nashville, NC. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

The children would like to extend their appreciation to the nurses and staff of Nash General Hospital for their care and compassion during Daddy’s stay.

              In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of NC at 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27609

Our loving thoughts are with each of you:Children,sisters,brothers and all Bob's family.
Sykes
ronaldandrosa@centurylink.net

Lori & families,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I have heard cute stories about him and wish I could have met him.  Sounds like he had such a full life!  I will keep you all in thoughts and prayers.  I wish you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Love,
Allison Nani
allisonnani@bellsouth.net


Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for all Bob's family and friends. Bob was a very good man with a loving compassionate heart, as we all know. He was dedicated beyond measure to his wife, children,  and anyone else who he felt her could help.

Bob took pride in his country and family, and countless others. I AM SO PROUD OF HIM FOR THE PERSON HE WAS! May he rest in peace with our Father in Heaven.
God Bless you All!
Jo Anne Matthews Baines
joanne09@embarqmail.com