Celebrating the life of
Michael Tyson Joyner, Sr.
December 02, 1948 - July 25, 2014
Michael Tyson Joyner, Sr., 65, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away Friday evening, July 25, 2014, at St. Joseph/Candler Hospital from complications following a heart attack. He was born December 2, 1948 in Savannah, Georgia. He was the son of the late B. F. and Norma Joyner. He resided in Vidalia, Georgia for the past 14 years.
Mike is survived by his wife of 30 years, Janice O'Neal Joyner of Vidalia; his children, Katherine Tyson Joyner of Savannah and Michael Tyson Joyner, Jr. and his wife Katherine Redding Joyner, of Savannah; his brother Richard Joyner and wife Peggy of Savannah; his nieces, Jessica Joyner Shaffer and husband Chris and Julie Joyner; mother-in-law, Mrs. Maxwell O'Neal of Vidalia and brother-in-Law, Dane O'Neal of Los Angeles, CA
For the past 15 years, Mike has worked at the Utilities Protection Center, Inc. as the Liaison Director. This was a passion of his as well as educating excavators and utility members on the Georgia Dig Law. His contribution to 'Keeping Georgia Safe and Connected' will be missed. Prior to that he spent 20 years with the City of Savannah as the Director of Vehicle Maintenance. He is a Graduate of Savannah High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Armstrong State University and a Masters of Arts degree, ABD from Emory University both of which were in Political Science. He served as a part-time faculty member at Armstrong State University for three years and served as the President of the Alumni Association for two years.
Mike was a Lifetime Member of the National American Public Works Association (APWA) where he served on the Education and Site Selection Committee. Most recently he served as the National Chairman of the Utility Public Right-of-Way Committee. He authored a book for APWA entitled "Managing Public Fleets." In his contributions to the state of Georgia for APWA, he served in all capacities and was the Chapter Administrator. He was the co-founder of the joint APWA – UGA Certificate of Public Works Management Program. He was instrumental in establishing the Certified Public Works Management program that is now recognized as the model program for public works managers and department heads. He was recognized with the coveted "William J. Humma" award for meritorious service in the public works community.
The family will receive friends and family from 6 until 8 pm on Wednesday, July 30th at Fox and Weeks, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah, Ga 31406. The funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Fox and Weeks. Interment will take place in the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made in his honor to the following charities; Reading is Fundamental, St. Jude Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice.
Janice, Tammy and I were so sorry to learn of Mike's passing and we deeply share the pain of his not being with us any longer. We were out of the country and unable to attend the service but we had you in our thoughts and prayers. He was a terrific person and friend and will be deeply missed. Take care of yourself.
- John & Tammy Calvert, Oak Ridge, TN
Mrs. Janice so sorry to hear of Mr. Michael's passing. I pray that God will give you grace and peace in the days ahead May God bless you
- sherri vaughn, vidalia, Ga
Mike was always such a kind and nice man with a great smile. We appreciate his kindness to us over the years. Ours thoughts and prayers to all of the Joyner family. We send our love to you and sorry we aren't able to be with you today and tomorrow.
- Anne + Scott Blair, Avondale Estates, GA
I am so sorry for vyour loss I am sure He is running through fields of flowers in the gardens of heaven..... goodbye ole friend.....rabbit
- john taylor "rabbit", swainsboro, ga
I knew Mike at Savannah High. He was so good at working behind the scenes - I don't think he was a Student Council officer, but he helped make everything happen. It sounds as if he kept up that ability throughout his career! My work took me to Vidalia several times in the last year, to the United Methodist churches - I wish I had known he was in the area. I am saddened to hear of his death, and pray God's blessings on all the family.
- Marcus Tripp, Macon, GA
It's hard when losing a friend. Preparing for the Annual APWA meeting at St Simon, it was Mike that provided me the information to be successful. Mike has alway been the one that would stand up to help anyone. He's a man of god,a husband, a father and a friend. I will always remember Mike for the support he gave to me and my family. Our prayers goes out to the family, so stand strong. Lenardo and Linda Owens
- Lenardo Owens, Decatur, GA
Very very sad. My deepest condolences to Mik's family.Mike was very helpful and a nice gentleman. God blessed Mike to be a blessing to many, many on this earth. The family is in my Prayers. John Bonam, Chair - APWA Coastal Branch
- John Bonam , Savannah, GA
I enjoyed meeting Mike at the Locate Rodeo.Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mike.
- Chad O'Quinn, Fitzgerald, GA
I was really sadden this morning to read the email about Mr. Joyner. As a Fulton County employee i have attend several APWA conferences and on every last one of them i had the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Joyner for one reason or another and i must say he was always respectful, informative. This is a great loss for the organization, community and especially for the family. i will be praying strength and peace for the family and friends. In Jesus Name!
- Virginia Freeman , Fulton, GA
Mike was a wonderful and dependable friend. Many of his SHS classmates share in the loss but have been blessed by his life.
- John Mamalakis, Duluth, GA
It was a pleasure to work with Mike. He was always kind and gracious and could always answer my questions. More than that, it was always pleasure to see Mike and just talk to him whenever I could attend the GTA conventions. I will dearly miss Mike personally and occupationally. Ron Perry Planters Telephone Cooperative Newington, GA
- Ron Perry, Newington, GA
Mike will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful person to work with and get to know, and did a great job pushing GUCC in Georgia.
- Craig Beasley, Brunswick, GA
Mike, have been a dear friend and an excellant person in the shared information field. I will deeply miss his help and smiles. I pray that God Bless and comfort your family.
- Daniel Whigham, Albany, GA
Condolences to Mike's family and friends. We were at SHS together and I remember Mike as a kind and cheerful guy. I know he will be missed.
- Daniel A. Brown, Grovetown, GA
To Mr. Joyner's family, we are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Joyner was always very nice and very helpful. May God Bless and keep you in his love. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ricky Jones, Greensboro, GA
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Mike. He will be missed by many.
- Jason Higgins, Buford, GA
Thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family at this most difficult time. Classmate at SHS. Muriel Rabhan Varon
- Muriel, Atlanta, GA
Mike, I was sadden to hear about the death of your Father, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family. May God's continued blessing comfort you during this difficult time.
- Josie Watson-Gross, Savannah, GA
Kind, patient, warm, caring and smart... not to mention great sense of humor, a touch of mischievousness and a hankering for shenanigans - What a winning combination! Thank you, thank you for such a being such a strong rock for me in the storms I faced. You will be missed more than you could have ever imagined Michael Joyner Sr.
- Meghan Wade and Family, Demorest, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mike. Osman
- Osman Bholat, Savannah, GA
So sad to learn of Mike's passing, Janice. Please know that you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers!
- Wynelle Dees Batton, Lyons, GA
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We went through school together and he was always smiling and so nice. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
- Celia Palefsky Dunn, Evans, GA
Ronnie and I are so sorry to learn this sad news. His family is in our prayers!
- Ronnie & Linda Roach Newham, Pooler, GA
My deepest condolences to the Joyner family. I was a classmate of Mike's at Savannah High School. I always enjoyed seeing him at our reunions. He will be missed.
- Johnny Roach , Sierra Vista, AZ
I am sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have known Mike for several years through UPC and APWA. He will truly be missed. Janice and family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
- David Pressley, Royston, GA
All my love & prayers are with the family. Keep the light of life at your feet and the wind of the Spirit of life at your back. May the wings of love carry you through this time of sadness.
- Jay Wilkins, Sacramento, CA
A fine, gentle man whose good disposition and warm presence will be missed, even by those of us whose memories go back decades. Prayers for God's sure comfort to all who mourn.
- Bobbie Fargason Epting, Birmingham, Al
Dear Mike and Katie, Our symnapthy, thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand and comfort you.
- Mike and Julie Estvander, Savannah, GA
Janice, Tammy and I were so sorry to learn of Mike's passing and we deeply share the pain of his not being with us any longer. We were out of the country and unable to attend the service but we had you in our thoughts and prayers. He was a terrific person and friend and will be deeply missed. Take care of yourself.
- John & Tammy Calvert, Oak Ridge, TN
Mrs. Janice so sorry to hear of Mr. Michael's passing. I pray that God will give you grace and peace in the days ahead May God bless you
- sherri vaughn, vidalia, Ga
Mike was always such a kind and nice man with a great smile. We appreciate his kindness to us over the years. Ours thoughts and prayers to all of the Joyner family. We send our love to you and sorry we aren't able to be with you today and tomorrow.
- Anne + Scott Blair, Avondale Estates, GA
I am so sorry for vyour loss I am sure He is running through fields of flowers in the gardens of heaven..... goodbye ole friend.....rabbit
- john taylor "rabbit", swainsboro, ga
I knew Mike at Savannah High. He was so good at working behind the scenes - I don't think he was a Student Council officer, but he helped make everything happen. It sounds as if he kept up that ability throughout his career! My work took me to Vidalia several times in the last year, to the United Methodist churches - I wish I had known he was in the area. I am saddened to hear of his death, and pray God's blessings on all the family.
- Marcus Tripp, Macon, GA
It's hard when losing a friend. Preparing for the Annual APWA meeting at St Simon, it was Mike that provided me the information to be successful. Mike has alway been the one that would stand up to help anyone. He's a man of god,a husband, a father and a friend. I will always remember Mike for the support he gave to me and my family. Our prayers goes out to the family, so stand strong. Lenardo and Linda Owens
- Lenardo Owens, Decatur, GA
Very very sad. My deepest condolences to Mik's family.Mike was very helpful and a nice gentleman. God blessed Mike to be a blessing to many, many on this earth. The family is in my Prayers. John Bonam, Chair - APWA Coastal Branch
- John Bonam , Savannah, GA
I enjoyed meeting Mike at the Locate Rodeo.Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mike.
- Chad O'Quinn, Fitzgerald, GA
I was really sadden this morning to read the email about Mr. Joyner. As a Fulton County employee i have attend several APWA conferences and on every last one of them i had the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Joyner for one reason or another and i must say he was always respectful, informative. This is a great loss for the organization, community and especially for the family. i will be praying strength and peace for the family and friends. In Jesus Name!
- Virginia Freeman , Fulton, GA
Mike was a wonderful and dependable friend. Many of his SHS classmates share in the loss but have been blessed by his life.
- John Mamalakis, Duluth, GA
It was a pleasure to work with Mike. He was always kind and gracious and could always answer my questions. More than that, it was always pleasure to see Mike and just talk to him whenever I could attend the GTA conventions. I will dearly miss Mike personally and occupationally. Ron Perry Planters Telephone Cooperative Newington, GA
- Ron Perry, Newington, GA
Mike will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful person to work with and get to know, and did a great job pushing GUCC in Georgia.
- Craig Beasley, Brunswick, GA
Mike, have been a dear friend and an excellant person in the shared information field. I will deeply miss his help and smiles. I pray that God Bless and comfort your family.
- Daniel Whigham, Albany, GA
Condolences to Mike's family and friends. We were at SHS together and I remember Mike as a kind and cheerful guy. I know he will be missed.
- Daniel A. Brown, Grovetown, GA
To Mr. Joyner's family, we are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Joyner was always very nice and very helpful. May God Bless and keep you in his love. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ricky Jones, Greensboro, GA
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Mike. He will be missed by many.
- Jason Higgins, Buford, GA
Thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family at this most difficult time. Classmate at SHS. Muriel Rabhan Varon
- Muriel, Atlanta, GA
Mike, I was sadden to hear about the death of your Father, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family. May God's continued blessing comfort you during this difficult time.
- Josie Watson-Gross, Savannah, GA
Kind, patient, warm, caring and smart... not to mention great sense of humor, a touch of mischievousness and a hankering for shenanigans - What a winning combination! Thank you, thank you for such a being such a strong rock for me in the storms I faced. You will be missed more than you could have ever imagined Michael Joyner Sr.
- Meghan Wade and Family, Demorest, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mike. Osman
- Osman Bholat, Savannah, GA
So sad to learn of Mike's passing, Janice. Please know that you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers!
- Wynelle Dees Batton, Lyons, GA
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We went through school together and he was always smiling and so nice. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
- Celia Palefsky Dunn, Evans, GA
Ronnie and I are so sorry to learn this sad news. His family is in our prayers!
- Ronnie & Linda Roach Newham, Pooler, GA
My deepest condolences to the Joyner family. I was a classmate of Mike's at Savannah High School. I always enjoyed seeing him at our reunions. He will be missed.
- Johnny Roach , Sierra Vista, AZ
I am sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have known Mike for several years through UPC and APWA. He will truly be missed. Janice and family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
- David Pressley, Royston, GA
All my love & prayers are with the family. Keep the light of life at your feet and the wind of the Spirit of life at your back. May the wings of love carry you through this time of sadness.
- Jay Wilkins, Sacramento, CA
A fine, gentle man whose good disposition and warm presence will be missed, even by those of us whose memories go back decades. Prayers for God's sure comfort to all who mourn.
- Bobbie Fargason Epting, Birmingham, Al
Dear Mike and Katie, Our symnapthy, thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand and comfort you.
- Mike and Julie Estvander, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
