Bruce Cone Joyner went home to be with the Lord on December 17, 2017, eight days before his 89th birthday. Bruce was born in Statesboro, GA on December 25, 1928 to the late Laurie G. Joyner and Gladys Davis Joyner. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years Barbara Douglas Joyner, brothers Benjamin Joyner & Paul Joyner, sisters Martha Nease & Dot Lindsey, brother-in-law Warren Nease and daughter-in-law Lisa Hardie Joyner. He is survived by son Bruce “Chuck” Joyner II & wife Christa (El Paso, TX), son Larry Douglas Joyner & wife Joyce (Charlotte, NC), and daughter Tana Sivick & husband David (Charlotte, NC), 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, brother Ray Joyner & wife Patsy, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and Betty Cunningham, the godmother to his children and Nana to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
At the age of twelve he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, beginning a lifelong relationship that impacted multiple generations.
He graduated the class of 1947 from Frostproof High School. Upon graduation he moved to Ft. Myers, FL becoming a hairstylist. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1952 as a Medic attaining the rank of Sergeant. After being honorably discharged he moved to Charlotte, NC in 1953 where he became an operator at Jack’s Plaza Beauty Salon which he purchased in 1971, retiring in 2001. For seven decades he served several generations of families, from their first haircuts, throughout their lives, and even in preparation for their funerals.
He joined Southside Baptist Church in 1953 where he served as a teacher, Sunday School Director, choir member and in many other capacities for the remainder of his life. His favorite services were Monday night visitations and kitchen duties for Wednesday night dinners (and any other meals). His love of music was passed on to and grew in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He met his future wife Barbara Douglas at Southside and they were married on April 26, 1959. He led his family to know, love and serve the Lord through his example of loving and serving others. He also taught them through word and actions that love is a choice and that it transcends blood and marriage. His grandchildren and growing number of great-grandchildren knew him as Papaw. He took great pleasure spending time with his grandchildren taking them on long walks of exploration.
The door to his home was always open to friends and strangers alike. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family and his church, and his willingness to help others, especially those on the fringes of society. He was known for his hospitality and welcoming spirit toward others at his home and church. No visitor to Southside could escape his warm greeting and encouragement to return. Generations of children knew him as the “Gum” man. He was a familiar presence in the Midwood/Plaza area, often seen swiftly walking through the neighborhood, but making time for friendly greetings.
His legacy of love and kindness will continue in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the countless other lives he touched, and beyond.
The family will be receiving friends on Thursday December 21, 2017 from 7-9:00 PM at Southside Baptist Church 301 Elmhurst Rd. Charlotte, NC 28209 and December 22, 2017 from 12-1:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Home 5716 Monroe Rd. The service celebrating his life will be Friday December 22, 2017 at 1:00 PM followed by a graveside service at Sharon Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southside Baptist Church or the Levine & Dickson Hospice House 11900 Vanstory Dr. Huntersville, NC 28078.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18