This is a copy of the post from William Joyner's son (class of '81)

Hello everyone, this is Bill's son, Thomas. It pains me very deeply to inform you that today, April 15, 2012, my father lost his very long and painful battle with cancer. He was a fighter to the end, and he served as an inspiration for many. My family and I would like to thank you for all your prayer and support over the last three years, and we ask that you continue to remember the example that he let for us to follow. Thank you.

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MSgt. William E. Joyner, Jr.
July 19, 1963 - April 15, 2012
Cameron, NC- MSgt. William E. Joyner, Jr., (US Army Ret.) age 48 of Cameron, NC went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford after a courageous battle with cancer.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at Hillmon Grove Baptist Church in Cameron with Pastor Wayne O'Quinn and Rev. Austin Reason officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the church cemetery.
He was born on July 19, 1963 in Langdale, AL to the late William E. Joyner Sr., and Vera Godfrey Joyner. He was a member of Hillmon Grove Baptist Church in Cameron. Mr. Joyner was a veteran of his country and retired from the United States Army in July, 2003. During his service to his country he served in the following units: 193rd Infantry Brigade, stationed at Ft. Sherman, Panama; 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC and Ft. Campbell, KY, serving in Desert Storm; SERE Instructor at Camp Mackall, NC; 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, serving in Bosnia; Special Forces Command (Airborne), stationed at Fort Bragg, NC; and then retired in 2003 after 21 years of service to his country. He then spent a short time as a contractor for Northrop Grumman before returning to Special Forces Command as a civilian employee. He was an NC Member at Large of the VFW Post # 15034; member of the American Legion Post # 1981 in Raleigh, NC; and member of the Special Forces Association.
William is survived by his wife of 26 years, Luzmila Joyner, and their sons Thomas Joyner and Edward Joyner of Cameron; sister Vera Robinson and her husband Brett of Thomaston, Georgia; sister Nita Mason, her husband Daniel, and children Mary, Emily, and Josh of Sanford; niece Amy of Texas; and niece Sarah of Kentucky. Mr. Joyner was preceded in death by father William E. Joyner Sr., mother Vera G. Joyner, and brother Thomas F. Joyner.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at Miller-Boles Funeral Home in Sanford.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Hillmon Grove Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund, 384 Hillmon Grove Rd., Cameron, NC 28326 or to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
Online condolences may be made at www.millerboles.com
Miller-Boles Funeral Home of Sanford is serving the family.

Published in Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on April 18, 2012