Gordon Grey Joyner, 82, passed away at home Sunday, June 16, 2024, surrounded by his devoted family. Gordon was born in Newport News and raised in Hampton. After graduating from Hampton High School, he enlisted in the Marine Reserves. He then began his career in the Newport News Shipyard. He would move on to sales positions in the Insurance and Real Estate fields before settling in the manufacturing field. He retired from Howmet Aerospace in Hampton.

Gordon was a devoted Christian and family man. He loved to go to church and worship. He held a Bible study in his home for many years after retirement where he would lead a time of worship and then give a devotional. Although not a preacher by trade, he treasured being able to minister and encourage others with his teachings and life experiences. Each night he would pray for all his children and grandchildren by name.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Louise Joyner. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Barbara; his children, Russell Joyner (Kristi), Michael Joyner (Shawn), Mollie Carr (Rick), and Matthew Joyner (Jamie). Known to his grandchildren as Pop, Amber Cavanaugh (Joey), Tiffani Soult (Ryan), Derek Joyner (Audra), Holly Bracey (Justin), Cody Joyner (Brooke), Rachel Joyner, Samuel Carr, Seth Joyner, Caleb Joyner, and Liza Joyner. He also had 8 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Colby, Blakely, Colton, Lila, Sawyer, Maisyn, and Jordan. He also leaves behind his brother, Michael M. Joyner (Pam).

Gordon loved his family. When his children were young, they would spend time together camping. He also enjoyed taking his boys hunting and fishing. Many Sunday afternoons were spent exploring the trails and fields at Yorktown with the whole family. He was an avid storyteller. He made up detailed adventure stories that he would tell his children and he passed them down to his grandchildren. When he told his stories, he was able make you feel that you were there experiencing it with the characters. He enjoyed watching Sci-Fi and western television shows and movies. He was a fan of the Boston Red Sox, Washington Commanders and the Duke Blue Devils.

One of his greatest gifts was the ability to make people laugh. He had an incredible sense of humor, and you would always walk away from a conversation with tears of laughter running down your face or a smile on your lips. His ability to meet people and have a conversation was unmatched and he would effortlessly make people feel comfortable and welcome.

After retirement he enjoyed spending time with Barbara. They loved to people watch and would go to Yorktown Beach or Colonial Williamsburg and sit on a bench with ice-cream and observe. They would pass the time playing cards or watching movies. They loved spending their days together and were almost inseparable. Each night before bed, he would sing "Let me call you Sweetheart" to Barbara. He looked forward to his grown children and grandchildren coming to visit. One of his favorite things to do was just to talk with them and hear about their life. He was so proud of them all and wanted to hear of their accomplishments. He always felt that time was the precious gift he could give them all and something they would always treasure and remember.

There will be a memorial service in his honor Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 4:00 PM at West Hampton Baptist Church with a time of fellowship following.   The family requests if you send flowers, please have the florist deliver them on Friday, June 28th to Grace Fellowship, 609 Aberdeen Road, Hampton.