A Life Story

Robert "Bob" Joyner, 77, of Savannah, Georgia, made his peaceful departure to Heaven onTuesday, August 6, 2024. Born on April 12, 1947 at Walter Reed Hospital, in WashingtonD.C., he is the son of the late Joseph Joyner and Rebecca McCleskey Joyner.He graduated from Saint Andrew's-Sewannee School, in Sewannee, Tennessee, and studiedBusiness in college. He served in the Air Force and later found his true ambitions in farming,landscaping and gardening. He once was a chicken farmer, raising thousands of chickensalong with beefalo.He is survived by his wife Joy Forkner Joyner of Savannah, Georgia, son Sean Joyner ofMcDonough, Georgia, daughter Jolene (Craig) Hensley of Griffin, Georgia and fivegrandchildren. He was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Savannah.Thirty-five years ago, he married his wife Joy on April Fool's Day, because they were a coupleof fools in love. He, however, wanted to get married on February 29, but Joy would not fall forthat trick.Known as Papa Bear to his wife, she was his Baby Bear. Whenever one of them said "I loveyou," the response was almost always, "I love you more." When his wife was recovering fromfoot surgery, he told his friends that he never imagined what all she did around the house dayafter day.He became a Lifetime Georgia Master Gardener, and was an avid gardener. He lovedgrowing fruits, vegetables and a large array of flowers. When he and his wife were houseshopping in the Savannah area, they found their dream home which included a vacant side lotwhich would soon become their Secret Garden. When they met the seller of the house andlot, they were told that, unless they bought the side lot also, he would not sell them the house.They said almost in unison, "If it wasn't for the side lot, we wouldn't want the house." Oftenhe would walk out to the garden and give his plants a pep talk saying to them, "Gro-o-ow, gro-o-ow, gro-o-ow!"He had a funny sense of humor, often putting smiles on peoples' faces, wore funky socks withcartoon characters on them, and enjoyed wearing caps and t-shirts with silly phrases such asHi, I'm Bob. Sometimes I spell my name backwards. He had a very soft-giving heart, enjoying helping people anonymously, not wanting to receive any recognition.Bob's Celebration of Life will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 3 Westridge Road,Savannah, GA 31411 on September 21 at 11 AM with a reception to follow. All are welcome.