Edwin J. “Pee Wee” Joyner

Published 11:55 am Wednesday, February 27, 2013

BURDETTE—Edwin “Pee Wee” Joyner, 80, passed away in his home in Burdette, Va., on February 26, 2013.

He was the husband of Barbara (Bobbie) W. Joyner.

He was born in the Old Raiford’s Hospital in Franklin and was a lifetime resident of the Burdette community.

Edwin was the son of the late Oscar L. Joyner and Bertha Hasty Joyner.

He is survived by one daughter, Lynn Ivey and husband, Steve; a son, Glen Joyner, and wife, Laura; stepdaughter Sandy White and husband, Gene; stepsons Buddy Wright, and wife, Kathy; Wade Wright and wife, Renee. Mr. Joyner is also survived by nine grandchildren: Brandon Ivey, Kristen Ivey, Miranda Joyner, Jeff Lander, Kristy Britt, Alan Wright, Leah Wright, Brooke Wright and Cole Wright. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Braswell Joyner; and a brother, Burton L. Joyner.

Mr. Joyner retired from Union Camp Corporation after 38 years of service as assistant superintendent of the Roll Finishing Department. Upon retirement he was employed by Wright Funeral Home and “helped Barky run the funeral home.”

He was a lifetime member of Burdette Baptist Church having served as chairman of the Board of Deacons, treasurer, Sunday school teacher and other various positions.

Mr. Joyner loved his church and was a very active, dedicated Christian. He always demonstrated this in his daily life.

Mr. Joyner was a 32nd Degree Mason, Past Master and Chaplin of Purdie Lodge No. 170, Past Master of Blackwater 134 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master for the 31st Masonic District. He was a member of the Portsmouth Scottish Rite Temple.

He served 10 years on the Southampton County Board of Social Services and was chairman for four years.

Mr. Joyner was a three-time past President of the Black Creek Burdette Ruritan Club.

Mr. Joyner was a Korean War Veteran having served the 25th Infantry Division and the 80th Division USAR. Mr. Joyner achieved the rank of Sergeant 1st Class in the 101 Airborne Division.

In his younger years he enjoyed many activities like fishing, bowling and rabbit hunting. Mr. Joyner and his wife, Bobbie, enjoyed woodworking for craft shows.

His passion for Burdette Black Creek fast-pitch softball was unprecedented. This enthusiasm continued to him coaching ball to many young men in the community.

In the past several years he has enjoyed making homemade sausage with his son-in-law Steve Ivey with the Nothin Butt Fun Catering Team.

Pee Wee as everyone called him, knew no strangers and was loved by everyone. He will be greatly missed.

A funeral with Masonic Rites will be held at 2 pm Friday, March 1, at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, with the Rev. James Hyatt, Rev. Larry Cribb and Rev. Curtis Faison officiating.

Burial with military honors will follow at Poplar Spring Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday (today) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and suggests memorial donations be made to Burdette Baptist Church, 35490 Burdette Road, Franklin, Va. www.wrightfuneralhome.org