Samuel E. Joyner

Samuel E. "Sam" Joyner, 59, of Toms River, NJ, passed into the arms of the Lord on April 27, 2007 at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after a courageous fight against cancer. He was born March 27, 1948 in Jacksonville, FL. He was the son of Eugene C. Joyner and Coy R. (Pyland) Joyner. A native of Bartow, he was a 1966 graduate of Summerlin Institute where he excelled in academics and sports. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy and began a career devoted to public service. He was a member of the world famous Hurricane Hunters, assisted U.S. Marines in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, and participated in the invasion of Grenada. His awards included Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal with 2 bronze stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. In 1986, after 20 years of service to the nation, he retired as a Chief Hospital Corpsman. For the last 18 years, he served the citizens of the State of New Jersey in various capacities as a health care professional. Along the way, he received a B.S. in Health Science from George Washington University and a M.S. in Computer Information Systems from University of Phoenix. His absolute passion was sailing Andromeda with his beloved wife of 32 years, Leona. He was an avid table tennis player and enjoyed many hobbies such as designing sailboats and wood working. A longtime member of Wildwood Baptist Church, he worshiped at Crossroads Baptist Church in Lakehurst, NJ. He loved his family, his church, and his country. He is survived by his wife, Leona B. Joyner of Toms River, NJ; two children, J. Michael Joyner and wife, Christina, of Jacksonville, FL, and Samuel E. Joyner, Jr. and wife, Cheryl, of Dallas, Texas; his brother, B. Timothy Joyner and wife, Donna, of Madisonville, LA; four grandchildren, Jacqueline H. Joyner, Samuel D. Joyner, Aaron M. Joyner, and Anastasia N. Joyner; and two nieces, Amber C. Joyner and Destiny D. Joyner. He was predeceased by his parents. Family will receive friends Wednesday, May 2, 6-8 p.m. at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, 650 E. Main St., Bartow, FL 33830. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 3,11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The National Cancer Institute, ATTN: The Director, Building 31 Room 11A-16, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892.