Luke Thomas Joyner went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 3, 2025. Born on January 13, 1937, in Sedley, Virgina to Benjamen Frank and Daisy Mae Joyner; he was their only child. Luke grew up farming with his father until he decided to join the U.S Army at seventeen and serve in Germany.

Upon returning to the States, he moved back to Virginia and began his life long career as a papermaker. This is also when he met and married Mary Ellen Presson, the love of his life. Together they moved to California for a new adventure, but eventually longed for home and family, and moved to Plymouth, N.C. Luke worked for Weyerhaeuser Paper Mill. He was heavily involved in the Union as a Vice President, volunteered for sports organizations and was a member of the Plymouth Baptist Church.

Luke and Ellen had two daughters, Wendy and Wanda. The years were filled with weekends at Sandy Point, yearly trips to Kings Dominion, and coaching many of his daughter's softball teams. When able he would take a rare day to enjoy golf with his friends.

In 1979, Luke was offered a position at Boise Cascade in the State of Washington, as a machine tender until his retirement in 2002.

After retiring Luke and Ellen got to live out a life long dream of traveling the United State, seeing sights and visiting friends and family.

Some of Luke's most treasured memories came after becoming a grandfather and great grandfather. At this stage in his life, he did his best to be at every sporting event, school program, dance recital, and milestone of his grandchildren. He was always proud of his family the most.

Luke and Ellen were parents to their two daughters, Wendy (Mike) and Wanda. He was also blessed with 9 grandchildren; Jessica (Will), Ashleigh (Nick), Tanner (Shyann), Tucker, Trevor (Kendra), Ashley, Caitlin (Andrew), Sydnee, and Tori. The family continued to grow with 12 great grandchildren. His family, which he never expected to grow so large was his pride and joy! He was the best Poppy to our family.

Luke is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Ellen and great-grandson Wilder.

There are many that loved Luke, too many to mention by name. Our dad is going home but his legacy and love lives on. Prayers to all that knew and loved him.