Larry Thomas Joyner

Larry Thomas Joyner, 66, of Hopewell, Virginia, died on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, after suffering a stroke. He was surrounded by his family and friends – a fitting tribute for a man who had dedicated himself to public service. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, the son of the late John Thomas and Hilda May Jones Joyner of Portsmouth, VA. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his sister, Connie Joyner Brittle, and his beloved daughter, Amber Lee Joyner. Larry graduated from Windsor High School, where he was the Valedictorian. He was a Union Camp Scholar and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Richmond, where he distinguished himself both academically and in leadership roles. He was elected to Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) National Leadership Honorary; Eta Sigma Phi Classics Honorary; Alpha Theta Phi History Honorary, and Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. He was also a member of the University’s debate team and served as president of his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta. Upon graduation from the University of Richmond, Larry received a graduate teaching assistantship to Wake Forest University to pursue a Master’s Degree in Speech and Communications. In August, 1974, having completed his course requirements at Wake Forest University, Larry entered active duty as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, Quartermaster Corps. Shortly after fulfilling his R.O.T.C. active duty requirements, he entered public service with the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons. Larry distinguished himself professionally over a career that spanned almost three decades. He retired in 2002, as Supervisor of Education for multiple institutions in Petersburg, Virginia. In 2006 Larry joined the faculty of the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology (ARGS). He was named Assistant Director in 2007 and remained in that capacity until his death. He was a passionate advocate for the school and took a personal interest in each and every ARGS student. Larry’s commitment to public service and his passion for education also influenced his community involvement. He firmly believed that if you did not participate in the process then you were a part of the problem. Therefore, he took an active role in a number of civic organizations over the course of four decades and was particularly proud of his service to the Hopewell School Board, where he served from 1995-2002 and then again, from 2011-2014. Larry was a remarkable man. He was slow to anger and had a zest for life that few can muster. He loved his community. He loved his students. He loved his employees. He loved his friends and neighbors. He loved beautiful things --- fine architecture, antique furniture, paintings, porcelains --- and he loved collecting them! He was truly a Renaissance man. He loved preparing and enjoying great food and drink. He was a gentle spirit, but he was immoveable if he felt that an issue was important. Most of all, he loved God and his family. His was a life worth living, and he enriched everyone around him. Larry is survived by the love of his life and wife of 42 years, Rita Everett Joyner; his devoted son, Dr. Wesley Thomas Joyner, wife Kristen, and their son, Spencer Thomas Joyner, all of Hopewell, VA. He is additionally survived by his brother-in-law, Dr. Roy Everett, and wife, Lynn, of Littleton, N.C.; sister, Brenda Joyner-Bodson and husband, Rick, of Smithfield, VA; and brother, Len Joyner and wife, Jo Anne, of Zuni, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will welcome friends for visitation on Sunday, June 26, 2016 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home in Hopewell, Virginia. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 27, 2016, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 505 Cedar Lane, Hopewell, VA. Interment will follow in Appomattox Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Larry T. Joyner Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology, 512 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, VA 23803 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .