Eugene Hunter Joyner

Eugene Hunter Joyner, 94, departed this life on February 8th, 2024 to be with our Lord. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Ada (White); two baby sons; both parents, William and Ruth Joyner; siblings, Billy and Roy Joyner; and grandson, Sean France.

He is survived by his siblings; Eloise Belch, Jimmy, Julian, and Hunter Joyner; children, Ramona Browning (Frank), Sherry Herrell, Russell (Maureen), Pamela White (Johnny), 6 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Eugene was born September 22, 1929 to William Thomas and Ruth Britton Joyner in Hertford County near St. John, North Carolina. He grew up with five brothers and one sister on the family farm which had been in the Joyner family for over two centuries. He worked on his father's farm until the outbreak of the Korean war. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army. After basic training he volunteered for Engine Rebuilding School which was the foundation of his career in automotive mechanics. On the farm he had taught himself the basics for maintaining the farm tractor, but the Army expanded his vast knowledge about trucks, jeeps and tanks. He was never required to fire his rifle in combat. He was so proud to have served his country in uniform and proudly prepared the army's motored vehicles. After being honorably discharged from the army, Eugene worked as an automobile mechanic for car dealerships in Murfreesboro and Ahoskie, NC.

As fate would have it and along with God's plan, Eugene was introduced to a recently widowed young woman, Mary Ada Wooten, who was living in Richmond, VA. Turned out they were soul mates and that was the beginning of their love story. They married, bought a house, raised four kids and celebrated 63 years of marriage.

When Gene moved to Richmond, he had no trouble finding work. He first worked at Meyer Rambler, then B.F.Goodrich. He built a reputation as a trustworthy mechanic, telling people the truth about what their car needed. Through time and experience he also built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable mechanics in the area with a devoted clientele. Many of his customers were none too happy about his retirement in the early 1990's.

Soon after moving to Richmond in 1959, he became a member of Skipwith Baptist Church. In his later years, he proudly served as a deacon. He took great pride in being the resident expert in the building and grounds committee. For decades he would faithfully go through the church and building every Saturday night to ensure that all was prepared for Sunday morning.

Eugene also loved spending time with his family. We will always treasure the memories of the traditional Saturday afternoon hamburgers and family get togethers. He also loved to take his family fishing and camping at various places to explore. He also loved many genres of music, being silly, telling jokes and pulling pranks. He even enjoyed hours of playing Atari back in the day.

We all have great memories and stories to tell from our time spent with him. He was a great son, brother, father, grandfather, teacher and friend. We will always treasure the good times spent with him. We will miss his laughter, his smile, his wisdom and patience. Until we are together again, we rejoice in the power of Jesus, as The Resurrection and The Life.

A memorial service will be held at Skipwith Baptist Church, 1900 Skipwith Road, Henrico, VA 23229 on Tuesday, February 20th at 1:00PM. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Casual attire is suggested. A private burial will be held for the immediate family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Eugene’s name to Skipwith Baptist Church.