Thursday, October 1, 2026
William Elton ‘Sonny’ Joyner Jr.
August 17, 1938 – August 24, 2026
William Elton “Sonny” Joyner Jr., 88, of Granbury, Texas, went to be with the Lord Aug. 24, 2026. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Aug. 17, 1938, to William E. Joyner, Sr. and Nonnie Brewer Joyner, Sonny lived a life rich in adventure, service, and devotion to his family.
A 1956 graduate of Memphis Tech High School, Sonny served in the Air National Guard and as a Memphis police officer in the late 1960s. He earned his private pilot’s license in the late 1970s, but it was his lifelong passion for horses and roping that led him to Granbury, Texas, in 1991, where he lived out his remaining years. He is best known for never knowing a stranger, great storytelling and his love for the Lord.
Sonny is survived by his loving wife, Deb Joyner; four children, Mike Joyner (Tammy), Joanna Yates, Kelly Hare (Dale), and Steve Joyner (Lisa); six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Lynda Riley; and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Jonathan William Benson.
