Robert Lewis Joyner

Mr. Robert Lewis Joyner Sr., 80, passed into eternal rest on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on June 14, 1942, in Spartanburg, SC son of the late Edgar Devineau Joyner and Vara Elizabeth Joyner of Winnsboro, SC. He is survived by his adoring wife of 48 years, Cornelia Webster Joyner and his three children Robert “Brock” L. Joyner Jr. (Lynda), John L. Steele (Jody) and Roxanna J. Taylor (Cole); eight grandchildren, Mary Joyner, Jake Joyner, Ella Steele, Colby Steele, Ethan Johnson, Caroline Johnson, Amanda Taylor, and Ashlyn Taylor. He also is lovingly remembered by a large extended family.

Mr. Joyner was predeceased by two brothers, James “Jimmy” Joyner and William “Billy” Joyner.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman as a young man which led him to pursue his dream career in Wildlife Management. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Botany from Wofford College in 1964 and his Master of Science in Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech University in 1966.  Bob worked for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for 41 years with the highlight being his 30 years as Resident Biologist and Manager of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center in Georgetown, SC.  Some in the public may have enjoyed one of the periodic field trips on the Island where he regaled visitors with stories of the history and magnificent beauty of the place where he worked and will forever consider home. Following retirement Bob worked on the advisory board as adjunct professor for Horry-Georgetown Technical College developing a Wildlife Management curriculum to add to the existing Forestry Program.

Mr. Joyner was actively involved with The Boy Scouts of America having obtained the rank of Eagle Scout at age 16. He continued his devotion to Scouting serving as Eagle Scout candidate counselor for the Black River District for twenty years.  Bob was also active with the following organizations: The Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, Operation Migration, The United Nations Biosphere Reserves, The Coastal Conservation League, and Winyah Indigo Society.

After retirement Bob and Cornelia made their home at the Webster family homeplace in Lake City.  He was a member of Lake City First Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and a teacher in the Jeffords Sunday School class.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, May 8, 2023, at Lake City First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, PO Box 152079, Irving, Texas 75015 or to the Jeffords Men’s Sunday School Class of Lake City First Baptist Church, PO Box 820, Lake City, South Carolina 29560.

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