A. Wayne Joiner

A. WAYNE JOINER, 88

A. Wayne Joiner, passed away in Gig Harbor, Washington on April 30, 2022. Born in Meigs, Georgia, in 1934, Wayne was raised in Pelham, Georgia by his parents, Charles Winfred and Una Joiner. For over 60 years, he resided in Longwood, Florida before relocating in 2020 to live with is daughter in Washington state during the Covid pandemic, and after the death of his wife, Nancy. In 1950, he suffered a terrible injury at 16 years of age when a train struck the car his father was driving, killing his beloved 37-year-old mother instantly that left him in critical condition resulting in a long coma and paralysis and given the prognosis never to walk or speak again. After receiving a personal letter from President Truman during his recovery at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, following the train accident, he began a hobby collecting autographs, amassing thousands over the years. Defying the odds, Wayne did learn to speak and walk again. He went on to Mercer University to earn a bachelor and master’s degree in education and relocated with his first wife Hilda to Longwood, Florida where they raised their 4 children. Wayne taught school and piano lessons in Florida for over 34 years. In 2016 he reached a milestone of 57 perfect years of Sunday School attendance, and served as a Sunday School Teacher and Director, Church Pianist, and served the homeless at the rescue mission in Orlando, Florida. As a church historian, he wrote, “Our Heritage”, the 90-year history of the First Baptist Church of Longwood, Florida. Wayne was a talented pianist and enjoyed watching classic movies. He was a big fan of major league baseball, particularly the Atlanta Braves. Wayne and his 2^nd wife Nancy enjoyed entertaining many groups in central Florida with musical comedy during their retirement. During this time, they traveled to many countries, including Great Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia, Russia, Poland, Israel, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, and island nations in the Caribbean. Wayne was predeceased by his mother Una Joiner, Father Winfred Joiner, and spouse Nancy Joiner.  Family member survivors include, 2 daughters, 2 sons, and 8 Grandchildren. Wayne had a tender and caring heart, and we loved him very much. Rest in eternal Peace, Dad. We know you can finally dance again. A Graveside Memorial Service for family and friends will be held at Meigs Sunset Cemetery in Meigs, GA on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 3:00 PM.