COURTLAND—William Thomas “Tommy” Joyner III, 84, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at his home.

He was a son of the late James Henry Joyner and Grace Turner Joyner, and was also predeceased by one brother, James H. Joyner Jr. and two sisters, Mary Alice Joyner and Indiana J. Williams, and cherished friends and golf buddies.

Mr. Joyner was a graduate of Courtland High School, Randolph Macon College and earned a Master’s degree from the University of Virginia.

He was a decorated veteran of the Korean War and a proud Eagle Scout, being one of the first to receive that award from Southampton County.

He had a 40-year career in public education as a principal and teacher, serving at Carrsville Elementary School and retiring from Windsor Elementary school in 1993.

He was a member of the National Association of Scholars (NAS) and a member of Courtland United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Patsy Rainey Joyner; his daughter, Pattie Joyner Lee, and her husband, the Rev. Thomas G. Lee Sr., of Salem; four grandchildren: Emily C. Lee, Thomas G. Lee Jr., Mary Beth Lee and Ginny Lee; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral was at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, at Courtland United Methodist Church with the Rev. Andrew Book and the Rev. Thomas G. Lee Sr. officiating. Interment with military honors followed at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Tommy’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project, Attn: Advance Guard, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Wright Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.