Harry Kurtis Joyner Sr.

It is with great sadness and heartbreak that we announce the passing of Harry Kurtis Joyner, Sr.  Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Motte Joyner, Jr., and Blanca Maria Joyner. 

Kurt had deep roots in Ecuador, where his mother was from.  He was very proud of his heritage and often spoke about his family members who remain in Ecuador.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Jan Lofland Joyner and siblings, Robbie Joyner and Pat Joyner Miller (Tim).  He is survived by his children Kurtis II, Karleigh (Corey, his son in law, whom he loved like a son), Crystal, and Jennifer; his grandchildren Kurtis III and Koa, Kendra, Trent, Leila, and Jaelyn; great-grandchild Nova; and his nephews and nieces whom he dearly loved, Jessica, Samantha, Noah, and Will.  Kurt is survived by a multitude of friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital (stjude.org) or The Humane Society. 

Kurt and Jan were married for 33 years and together for 35.  They met many years ago at age 12, riding mini bikes at the school track.  Kurt said he thought Jan was a boy by how good she rode the bike, until he actually looked at her... ha!  They reconnected over the years to follow, but thankfully found each other as life partners some 20 years later.  It was meant to be. 

Kurt had many interests and passions, and he was exceptionally well rounded.  His greatest passion was, of course, his family, whom he loved dearly, and then his friends.  Kurt had many friends, and to hear a cross word about him was unprecedented.  Quite the contrary.  Kurt was loved and admired, and he had a beautiful spirit that affected all who were fortunate enough to meet him, and to call him "my friend" was a wonderful gift.

He was also quite passionate about photography, and for many years helped his dad run the Photo-Lab in Charlotte.  He also co-owned AAA Pawn on Central Avenue in Charlotte with his brother Robbie.  He loved to fish, garden, piddle around the house/property, and loved to build things with his hands.  Kurt could literally fix anything, and family laughingly called him MacGyver.  He loved the mountains and actually lived there for a while in West Jefferson with his Granny, along with his brother Robbie.

Kurt was quite a versatile person, and he had many interests.  He especially loved his CB radio and became quite the enthusiast, connecting with people all over the world, using the name phantom 309.  He even kept a log of the people he talked to and where they were from.  Kurt even had a worm farm for fertilizing plants that he was quite proud of, and this gained him another fun nickname - the "worm whisperer." 

Kurt turned an old golf cart into his "farm truck."  He would love to pile it with his weed eater, rakes, shovels, potting soil, gardening tools, and 2 dogs, and drive around the farm.  He was in heaven.  There's this one story of Kurt filling in on drums for the band Billy Bacon and the Forbidden Pigs in Key West, Florida.  He, knowing no stranger, began talking to the drummer who wanted to take a break.  Classic Kurt.  Again, he was in heaven and loved it. 

Kurt never had an enemy and would literally give you the shirt off his back, or whatever else you needed.  When you asked Kurt to help you, in whatever you needed, he never said no.  He was always there for you with advice, compassion, a listening ear, or a helping hand.  His heart knew no limit, and he was just truly an overall good person.  There are not enough adjectives to describe Kurt and the truly great man that he was, and how fortunate we all were to know him, love him, and to be a part of his life.

His passing was quite shocking to all of us, as we never imagined him not being here.  It was, and still is, beyond our comprehension.  Kurt was most definitely one of a kind, and we will miss him more than words can say, almost more than our hearts can bear.  Kurt would say that's not possible though. 

He would admonish us to live our lives as free and open, and as giving as he led his.  To fully enjoy our family and friends, and to open our hearts as wide as we can.  He would tell us to have a party and celebrate his life, and our lives.  To laugh and reminisce, and generally have a great time.  To toast our good fortune in just being together.  To be able to have the capacity of his heart and compassion would be beyond measure, but to do so, to honor Kurt, would bring complete joy and happiness. 

When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand

That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand.

The angel said my place was ready, in Heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But when I walked through Heaven's Gates, I felt so much at home,

For God looked down and smiled at me, and told me "Welcome Home."

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart.

For every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.

Kurt - spread your wings and fly.  We will carry you with us always, and... as Kurt would say....   God Bless You.   

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