FRANKLIN — Jeffery Scott Joyner, 63, passed away on Sept. 10, 2017, in Duke University Hospital surrounded by his family.

Jeff was born in Suffolk and reared in Hunterdale. He was a 1972 graduate of Franklin High School, was an Eagle Scout and was a graduate of Jones International University.

He was a former Franklin police officer and a former Hunterdale volunteer fireman.

Jeff had been very active in the Franklin Little Theatre, and was active for many years in the Franklin Baptist Church Choir and, most recently, with High Street United Methodist Church Choir.

He was a 23-year employee of Union Camp Corporation and at the present was a field technician for the Virginia State Police.

Jeff had grown up in the Hunterdale Christian Church, was a longtime member of Franklin Baptist Church and, most recently, was attending High Street United Methodist Church. He had sung at hundreds of weddings and funerals.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Jay Gould “J.G.” Joyner Jr. and Nellie Scott Joyner; a brother-in-law, Scottie Whitley; and his father-in-law, Stanley Pope.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife and rock, Rhonda Pope Joyner; a daughter, Mary J. Johnson and husband, Andy, of Newsoms; a son, Jason W. Joyner and wife, Courtney, of Powhatan; a wonderful former son-in-law, Tim Dunn; three grandsons, Timothy Dunn Jr., Hudson Joyner and River Johnson; two step-granddaughters, Makayla and Avrie Johnson; his mother-in-law, Shirley Pope; two sisters-in-law, Cathy Whitley and Kim Billups (Daryl); three nephews, Michael Whitley, Tyler and Cody Billups; a great-nephew, Colson Whitley; a great-niece, Ava Whitley; and a host of special friends and choir family.

The celebration of life service was at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14, in High Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. Nathan Decker officiating. The burial will be private.

Friends joined the family for a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday in Wright Funeral Home, and suggests that memorial donations be made to Franklin Fire and Rescue or Hunterdale Volunteer Fire Department.

www.wrighfuneralhome.org.