Alvin "Fats" Wesley Joyner

Alvin Wesley Joyner was born in Martin County, North Carolina, on December 30, 1931. Born to Arthur and Ethel Joyner, he was the tenth of twelve children. It was tradition in the Joyner family that everyone had a nickname, and he was known as “Fats”.

When he was eighteen, he joined the United States Marine Corps. After brief training, he was on his way to fight the Korean War. He would often talk about how cold the country was. This is where he received his Purple Heart. He would often ask me to take it off the wall, so he could look at it and his picture in uniform. He was very proud to be a Marine.

After marrying his wife, Bettie, they moved to Newport News, VA, where they lived most of their lives. His motto was hard work and loyalty; it would pay off in the end. He had two jobs in his life. One of those was at Bowditch Ford, where he worked for 40 years. When he wasn’t working in the shop, he would pick up side jobs to save up for his favorite sport of hunting. He joined brothers, brothers-in-law, nephews, and selective guests in the great outdoors at Billy’s Gun Club for well over 50 years.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor and positive outlook on life. “Fats” Joyner passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, at the age of 94. He is survived by his wife, Bettie, of almost 62 years, his daughter, Michelle Eshelman, son-in-law, Andy, and grandsons, Wesley and Walker.

The family will receive friends for a Visitation at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Chapel, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666, on May 2, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will take place at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, Chapel, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23666, US, on May 2, 2026, beginning at 2:00 pm. The family invites guests to join them for a light reception which will follow services in the Reception Hall at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.