Barry Joyner

Barry accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age at Pershing Park Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and exemplified being a servant leader with those he met.

His presence, although grand in stature, and affectionately called “big guy”, Barry was just a no-fuss kind of guy with a sweet soul, quiet strength and kindness. A genuinely nice person who put his heart into everything he did and everyone he touched.

From a small child, Barry loved group sports and activities - playing football, basketball, baseball, and participating in Cub Scouts. In his later years, he added softball, racquetball, cycling, and golf to his repertoire. As a nationally-ranked racquetball player, he loved spending time playing the game. And he was honored to be called upon to referee matches for the Texas Racquetball Association and USA Racquetball.

Barry graduated from Killeen High School in 1976 where he excelled on and off the field – receiving many honors/accomplishments to include All-District, All-State Honors in football, plus a full athletic scholarship to the University of Oklahoma (OU).

In his college years, he played football and “blocked for Billy Sims”. Barry was a part-time starter at the fullback position at OU. He helped with OU’s success appearing in the Orange Bowl 4 times as well as the Fiesta Bowl his Freshman year. He was proud to be a ‘Boomer Sooner’ and part of the championships. He graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration.

Barry spent over 20 years working at EDS (Electronic Data Systems) and Perot Systems. Upon retiring and returning to Killeen, he reunited with friends and generously gave of his time, expertise, and experience to mentor others. He volunteered with many community service organizations to include i14 Sports and Kids Advantage. In retirement, he found new pleasures in playing golf, playing and officiating racquetball tournaments, assisting with radio broadcasts of local high school sports, volunteering for football camps for kids, and going to movies.

He loved talking life and sports with his younger brother, dishing with his youngest brother who is a University of Texas grad (remember those OU-TX rivalries), and being the ‘big, big’ protector brother to his younger sister. Barry was always very supportive of his siblings.

On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, the Lord called Barry home and he departed this life. He leaves a loving family to cherish his memory: a loving mother, Irene Joyner; siblings, Raymond Joyner and his wife Tricia of Georgia, Wanza Joyner of Harker Heights, TX, and Jody Joyner of Austin, TX; two nieces Ava and Peyton Joyner of Georgia; and a host of loving extended family members and friends. We thank the Lord for the gift of Barry’s life and how he graciously shared it with so many others.

So when tomorrow starts without me

Don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time you think of me,

I’m right here, in your heart.