Robert Eugene Joyner

Robert Eugene Joyner, 59, of DeKalb, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Robert was born to William “Bill” and Peggy Griffin Joyner on December 16, 1966, in Houma, Louisiana. Robert will be remembered as a loving and devoted father, grandfather, a dedicated protector of his community, and a loyal brother to his fellow officers.

Robert devoted his life to serving in law enforcement and to protecting the community of Kemper County. Over the years, he served in a variety of positions, from Police Officer for the Town of DeKalb to serving as Deputy Sheriff, Patrol Officer, Criminal Investigator, Fire Investigator, Chief Investigator, and Chief Deputy for Kemper County Sheriff’s Department. To those who knew him best, he was far more than a uniform. Robert was defined by his unwavering commitment to serving others with strength and kindness, embodying the true meaning of service—not just by enforcing the law, but by caring for people and standing strong when it mattered most.

He was an avid craftsman who loved working with his hands—whether doing woodwork, leatherwork, or painting—and he loved the freedom of riding his motorcycles. In recent years, he embraced the hobby of beekeeping, tending to his hives and sharing the harvest with his loved ones. Although he will be greatly missed, his family rests in the assurance that he is fully healed and free from pain.

Those left to cherish Robert’s memory are his children, Stacey Joyner McInnis (Carter) and Wesley Joyner; his mother, Peggy Griffin Joyner; his significant other, Patricia Martin; brothers, Chris Joyner and Ricky Rash; sister, Debbie Reid (Ronnie); ex-wife, Angela Joyner; special friend, Jennifer McGraw; a host of nieces and nephews; and his beloved grandson, Mason McInnis.

He was preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Joyner; his grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Visitation for Robert will be held on Monday, April 27th from 10:00-11:00 am at the Big Oak Methodist Church Family Life Center. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 am with Rev. Alex George and Rev. Bob Followell officiating the services. Robert will be laid to rest in the Big Oak Methodist Church Cemetery.

Serving as Pallbearers for Robert’s service will be his brothers from the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department: Jeff Jowers, Michael Mattox, Daniel Haggard, Dylan Fulton, Arnold Jenkins, Byron Walker, James Moore, and Tim Hardy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Robert’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the charity of your choice.

The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-DeKalb is grateful for the opportunity to honor Robert’s life and memory and to serve his loving family during this time.