Thomas Edward “Tom” Joyner, 80, departed this life to be with the Lord on Jan. 1, 2015.

He was born on Jan. 16, 1934, in Zuni, Virginia. Tom was a graduate of Hayden High School, Franklin, Virginia, Class of 1952. He attended Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia, for two years.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served from 1954 to 1956, and with benefits from the GI Bill, was graduated from Howard University, Washington D.C., Class of 1960, with a BS degree in electrical engineering.

He was employed by and a retiree of the U.S. Air Force Avionics Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, with 32 years of service as an electronics engineer.

Thomas was a faithful member of Summit Christian Church in Dayton, Ohio, where he served over 50 years in numerous capacities; treasurer of an Ohio-Chartered Credit Union, chairman of the Finance Department, financial advisor, DMF treasurer, deacon, elder, electronics consultant, and a member of the three adult choirs.

He served as the family genealogist and developed an expansive family tree dating back to slavery. He was also the family photographer, and captured and amassed thousands of life-cycle events, reunions and other still images which he copied and shared in albums for all family members. 

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Carolyn; daughter, Denise P. Stith, Hampton, Virginia; sons, Kevin B. Joyner and Stephen E. Joyner, both of Dayton; stepson, Emil A. Williams (Jeanette) Burbank, California; grandson, Marvin Lee Palmer, Hampton; “father-uncle” Lilton Evans Sr. of Ivor, Virginia; “sister-aunts” Anna P. Urquhart of Windsor, Virginia, and Vernita Purdie Elam of Baltimore, Maryland; grandchildren, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral was at noon on Friday, Jan. 9, in Summit Christian Church, 4021 Denlinger Rd., Dayton. Pastor Shelby Walker officiated. Interment was in Woodland Cemetery.

H.H. Roberts Mortuary Inc., Dayton, was in charge or arrangements.