Charles Edwin "Ed" Joyner

TARBORO - Charles Edwin “Ed” Joyner, 91, formerly of Rocky Mount and more recently of The Fountains at The Albemarle in Tarboro, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital in Tarboro, following a brief illness. The son of the late William Donley Joyner and Florence Worsley Joyner, he was born in Edgecombe County on March 2, 1932. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Dolly Hinton Joyner; and his brother, William Alvin “W.A./Bill” Joyner. Ed grew up on a tobacco farm in the West Edgecombe community and graduated from West Edgecombe High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951-1953 and worked for a short time for Atlantic Coastline Railroad and then as an electrician before joining Hammond Electric, later Eastern Electric Supply in Rocky Mount. He retired as president of Eastern Electric Supply in 1996. A long-time member of West Edgecombe Baptist Church, Ed served as deacon and treasurer for many years and was a strong supporter of the youth ministry. He and his late wife established a scholarship fund for young people in the church to attend college. He was a member of the Rocky Mount Kiwanis Club and Ducks Unlimited. Ed was an avid gardener who enjoyed sharing his harvest of vegetables and flowers. His woodworking skills have provided treasured pieces of furniture. In his work ethic and commitment to excellence and in his loyalty to family and friends, Ed embodied the motto of every Marine, “Semper Fidelis,” Latin for “Always Faithful.” Ed is survived by his daughter, Donna Joyner Black and husband, John, of Charlotte and Grandfather Mountain; his grandson, John David Black, Jr.; his granddaughter, Elizabeth Black Smith and husband, Trace; his great-grandchildren, Annabelle Kate Black and James Harold “Hal” Smith, IV, all of Charlotte; his brother, Joseph Donley Joyner and wife, Phyllis, of Greenville; his sister, Mary Catherine Joyner Harris, of Warrenton; and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at West Edgecombe Baptist Church, 13821 NC Hwy. 43, North, Rocky Mount, NC 27801 with Pastor Matthew Mayo officiating. A visitation will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall of West Edgecombe Baptist Church. Persons wishing to make memorial donation are encouraged to remember the Dolly H. Joyner Scholarship Fund, addressed to West Edgecombe Baptist Church, 13821 NC Hwy. 43, North, Rocky Mount, NC 27801. 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.