George Joyner
December 6, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina - George Freeman Joyner, Jr., 83, passed away in his home on December 6. He lived a full and happy life. He loved God and he loved people. Born in NC coastal plain, George lived most of his life in the Piedmont and loved the mountains and the coast.
A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, George's first career was working in a laboratory at Aerojet General in Sacramento doing research in solid rocket propellants. Moving back to Raleigh, he taught at Ravenscroft School, sharing his enjoyment of science with his middle school students. In summers he directed Swannanoa 4-H Camp, becoming life-long friends with many of his staff. He believed in young people and had high expectations of them.
George loved music and singing. A member of Grace Lutheran Church since 1970, he was the volunteer director of the adult choir for thirty-six years. Choosing music with organists whom he admired and planning anthems that fit with the scriptures in the church calendar, he delighted in the camaraderie of choir members.
George was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, backpacking, and sailing with friends from California and North Carolina. He grew Christmas trees as a hobby and was proud of his farm in Sparta. Retirement in 2000 provided time to stay on Topsail Island for long stretches in the fall and host many friends and family. His warm smile, kindness, and humor will be missed by the family and friends he has left behind.
That family includes his wife Jeane, daughters Julie (John Malone) and Katie (Jason Mawhinney), and grandchildren Evan, Julia, Mattie, Joseph, and Meg (James Hallberg). He is survived by his sister Becky (Sadler), nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and many dear friends that are considered part of his family.
Son of George F. and Evelyn Joyner, George grew up in Weldon, North Carolina. He was predeceased by his brother Whitmel.
A Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, Raleigh on Saturday, December 17, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Transitions Hospice or the Endowment Fund at Grace Lutheran Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Dec. 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for George Joyner

Sponsored by City of Oaks Cremation.

20 Entries

Jon

March 27, 2023

Mr. Joyner was my 8th grade science teacher at Ravenscroft. He had a calm, temperate personality that was an important contrast to our adolescent years. Mr. Joyner loved the 8th grade mountain trip and invited me as a junior to come up and work for the Ravenscroft annual School in the Mountains washing dishes and completing some odd jobs. Mr. Joyner put much trust into us and gave us plenty of autonomy that we really appreciated. Mr. Joyner was one of the good guys - just a wonderful soul.

Brock and Paige Doran

Planted Trees

JUDY Peede

December 16, 2022

Dear Jeane, Ray and I are saddened by the news of George's death. We enjoyed times with him, his humor and wit! You are both very dear to us and miss seeing and talking to you like we used to do. Love to you and your precious family. In Christ, Judy & Ray Peede

Donna Karsten

December 15, 2022

Dearest Jeane:
I have such fond memories of you time here in Nova Scotia, spending time with you and George was such a bonus to the work we did together. you are in my thoughts during this time.

Larry Hancock

December 14, 2022

George was a much beloved and admired Director of Swannanoa 4-H Camp for many summers. His enthusiasm for working with his camp staff and the campers was amazing. His enthusiasm was contagious, leading to many wonderful memories for so many of us. He also lovingly brought his whole family into "service" each summer. He and his family lived all summer on site were George taught them many "life lessons". Once his two daughters wanted to borrow the car to "go into town" (Asheville) so they could see "the real world". George sat them down and gently looked at them and said, "Julie and Katie - THIS is the real world!" . Thanks for your service to 4-H and the youth of North Carolina, George.

Christina Young Biggs '94

December 13, 2022

Mr. Joyner was my 8th grade homeroom teacher and science teacher. I remember he was larger than life - always brought this fantastic energy to the room when he entered. He had a way of communicating to us teenagers at a particularly critical point in life and supporting us. He had a way of making each of us feel as if we were special in our own way. As a girl I remember appreciating his view that sometimes the boys just needed a little knock over the head ha! And it was due to his advice and support that I was able to try out and play for the high school softball team since we were unable to start a JV team at the time. He was definitely one of the most influential teachers during my school years. I hope he and his family understand just how many lives he has truly touched over the years and made a lifelong, lasting impression. Much appreciation and many condolences to his family.

Harry J. Archer III

December 13, 2022

Mr. Joyner was our neighbor and my teacher at Ravenscroft. I believe he was the most fair and caring teacher I have ever known. He was just a wonderful, terrific person and I am so sad to read of his passing. God bless you forever, Mr. Joyner!

Amy Horwitz Schwartz

December 13, 2022

Mr. Joyner was my 8th grade Science teacher at Ravenscroft and when he caught me cheating he struck a deal with me. As I begged him not to tell my parents, he agreed not to tell as long as I would agree to take Honors Biology the following year because he knew I could do it. Believing in young people and having high expectations of them was certainly true and I have always remembered this lesson he taught me. May he rest in peace.

Shannon Dooley Rinella (Ravenscroft `98)

December 13, 2022

When I think of my time at Ravenscroft, I fondly recall my time in Mr. Joyner´s class. His passion for science and his students was palpable, finding fun ways to make topics "real" for us. I remember during our earth science segment creating cakes to show earth layers, and the great joy he had smashing pieces together to show us how tectonic plates moved! A man of many talents (I recall one time his singing of the iconic "Summertime" from Porgy & Bess at a talent show of some type at school), we are all better for having known and been educated by him. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

A. & A. Hallberg, A. Vecchi

Planted Trees

Jeanne and David Smoot and Family

December 12, 2022

Whenever I think of Mr. Joyner, I think of a smiling, genial man, with a great love of quality--whether it was in music, art, or simply his beloved science. Mr. Joyner, as I remember, taught our two younger children, but they all knew him. He was renown for his infectious enthusiasm for learning and his equally exactly standards in the classroom. My whole family was blessed to have known him, and I am confident that he affected the lives of hundreds of other students in an equally positive way. What a legacy!
Sincere condolences to the family and especially to his sister and my DAR sister, Becky.

David Walter McKillop

December 12, 2022

Jeane and Family: Even though George's life was one that we would call "full," I was sorry to learn of his death and the impact it will have on you, his family. I have fond remembrances of his attendance at social events at mathematics conferences. Please accept my sincere sympathy. You are in my thoughts here in Nova Scotia.
David (McKillop)

Clark Womack

December 12, 2022

I have great memories from having Mr Joyner as my homeroom and science teacher at Ravenscroft. I remember he always seemed to be smiling or laughing about something. I enjoyed running into him occasionally through the years. I was glad the last time I saw him I was able to tell him how I had two science teachers that really had made a difference on me growing up and he reminded me he and Mr Murdoch were related. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Don Shaffer

December 11, 2022

I am so grateful to have known George as a friend and colleague. Truly a magnificent human being and role model.

Kenro Kusumi

December 11, 2022

I was so sad to hear of Mr. Joyner's passing. He was a wonderful physical sciences teacher who supported his students and excited them to learn more about science. My path to becoming a scientist was possible due to dedicated teachers like Mr. Joyner, and we are saddened by his loss.

Kenro Kusumi
Professor and Dean of Natural Sciences
Arizona State University

Jeanette Cox

December 10, 2022

My condolences to Jeanne and all of you at the loss of George. All of us fortunate enough to have had the privilege to work with Jeanne also had the pleasure of meeting her sidekick,George. What a delightful and charming man. His legacy lives on in each of you.

Suzanna Brauer and Bill Ireland

December 10, 2022

Condolences on your loss. Hugs and love to you.

Susan & Bill Milholland

December 10, 2022

We are privileged to have known & enjoyed the company of George and his loving family! Jean, we pray you and the entire family are comforted by God´s embrace, fond memories and peace of the season.

Susannah Campbell

December 9, 2022

I adore Mr. Joyner, who taught me in 8th grade. I renege a TON about plate tectonics because of him. With fond memories, Susannah (Smoot) Campbell

Emily Procter

December 9, 2022

Dr. Joyner was a truly wonderful teacher who was such a positive influence in my life. The way he explained science and additionally contributed to the Medieval Festival was outstanding!

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