Bobby Warnell Joyner

ROCKY MOUNT – Bobby Warnell Joyner entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday July 19, 2025, at the age of 94.  He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his daughters.  Though his body had grown tired, his loving and caring spirit remained strong.  His passing marks the end of a devoted and meaningful life.

A faithful man with a gentle spirit, Warnell’s life was one of quiet dedication and enduring love.  From a young age, he established a strong work ethic through farming – a way of life that shaped his character and values.  His hands knew the land well, and his heart knew the importance of hard work, integrity, and providing for those he loved.  Through his pick-your-own-farm, he supplied fresh vegetables to the community and raised chickens for Braswell Milling Company for many years.  He was known for delivering rays of sunshine to his community in the form of fresh zinnia bouquets and for always offering a helping hand to those in need.

His leadership qualities were evident throughout his life.  He served as president of the Nash County Farm Bureau for 12 years and served 13 years on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina State Farm Bureau Federation.  He was instrumental in advancing agricultural practices, particularly in tobacco farming, through his collaborative work with North Carolina State University in tobacco research.

Warnell was also a man of deep faith. He loved his church and served his Lord faithfully throughout his whole life.  He was a pillar of Union Missionary Baptist Church where he served in many roles over the years including a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and choir member.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Ollie Joyner; his beloved wife of 57 years, Marie Bone Joyner; his daughter, Rhonda Joyner, his four sisters; and his six brothers.

Warnell leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion.  He is survived by his sister, Genevieve Pridgen; his daughters, Gwendolyn (Jimmy) Page and Denise (Larry) Hill; his grandchildren, Lindsay (Michael) Brantley, Kelly (Josh) Hepler, and Valoree (Josh) Murray; and his great-grandchildren, Elijah, Lillian, and Josiah Brantley, Thomas Hepler, Elouise, Leland, and Stellan Murray.  He is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

His guidance and love will be deeply missed by his family, and close friend, Helen Davis.  They would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caregiver, Diane Chapman, nurse Ricky, and the staff of Amedisys Hospice for the compassionate care provided.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Warnell’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Glen Hill officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Warnell’s memory to the Warnell and Marie Joyner Memorial Scholarship at the Nash Community College Foundation.

Donations can be mailed to Nash Community College Foundation, 522 N. Old Carriage Road, Rocky Mount, NC  27804, or made online at www.nashcc.edu/give.  Please indicate “Joyner Memorial Scholarship” in the memo line or online comment field.  For more information, contact the Foundation Office at 252-451-8440.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.