Donald Albert Joyner, 84, of Columbia, died Thursday, January 14, 2021. Born in Columbia, SC on September 29, 1936, he was the youngest son of the late Albert Lester and Myrtle Smith Joyner. He attended Columbia High School where he met the love of his life, Loretta, and the two were married in 1957. Mr. Joyner was a lifelong member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church where he enjoyed being active. A devoted husband, father and Pee Paw, Donald loved his family dearly. His loving fatherly influence and guidance was always positive, gentle and yet powerful. When described by others, the words kindness, inspiration and perseverance were always mentioned. Even in the face of his physical challenges, he would always find a way to enjoy life and accomplish most anything he tried, with no complaints whatsoever. In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors doing yardwork, working in his woodworking shop and tending to his beloved dog, Lucy. His entire career was spent working at McEntire Air National Guard Base serving as a member of the South Carolina Air National Guard until medical retirement.

Survivors include his daughter, Donna Joyner Ebert (Lloyd "Buzz"); son, Donald Albert Joyner, Jr. (Lisa); grandchildren, Maighan Vinson, Tylar Ebert, Zach Ebert, Christopher Joyner, Kerrie Joyner, Sean Joyner (Chelsea); and step-grandchildren, Tyler, Austin and Christian Fisher; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Wilson, Andon Dodds, Avery Dodds, Cole Joyner, and Greyson Joyner. In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife and soulmate of over 62 years, Loretta Gladden Joyner; his grandson, Brandon Vinson; siblings, Thresa Summer, Betty Haigler, Thomas A. Joyner, Sr.; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Meister Joyner.

In light of concern for COVID-19, the graveside service with military honors for Mr. Joyner will be private at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens with Pastor Sarah Bryant officiating. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. For those who wish to attend virtually, you may do so at 3 o'clock, on Thursday, January 21st, by visiting his tribute page at ShivesFuneralHome.com

The family ask that memorials in his memory be made to the Alzheimer's Association, ATTN: SC Gift Processing, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209, https://www.alz.org/sc/donate ; or to Eagle Cold Case and Missing Person Institute, ATTN: Justice for Brandon Vinson, 506 E. Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072, info@ECCMPI.org .