Richard Wayne Joiner

Richard Wayne Joiner peacefully passed away on July 19, 2023 in Herrin, Illinois.

Richard’s life was best characterized by who and what he cared for. He most deeply cared for his family. He was born to Linda (Stritzel) and Ronald Joiner on January 20, 1963. His relationship with his mother was incredibly close - they shared a love for baking for others, a deep connection with their pets throughout their lives, and an ability to listen to others without judgment. He shared a few things with his father as well - a birthday for start and a passionate personality that on the best days was high energy and fun loving and on some days manifested in a bit of a short fuse temper.

He was squarely in the middle - a younger brother to June Zinck (husband Jim) and an older brother to Kevin Joiner. Their childhood was characterized by growing up in the Valier Patch, riding bikes and playing with neighbors and cousins. Many weekends included spending the night at Grandma Stritzel’s house in Coello where board games and cards were played with their cousin Joe.

Richard attended Sesser Valier High School, graduating in 1981. As in many areas of his life, he made the most of these years - as class president, as a football player, and as a cook at Bonanza. It’s this last role that started a lifelong friendship with his boss, Christy Cook, and fellow server, Connie Roan.

Richard went on to work at Crownline Boats where opportunities to connect and care for people were plentiful. It is during this time that Richard began his friendship with Katie Repp, Trish Haliday, Phil Repp, and Alan Loss.

The quality of Richard’s friends and the depths of his friendships should not be underscored. Richard chose to care for these friends as he would close family - he celebrated in their joys and remained steadfast in their times of struggle. Likewise - these friends did the same, steadfast in their care, in their commitment throughout his life and in his final days.

Richard’s role as “Uncle Richie” gave him the opportunity to not just care for his nieces, Jamie Zinck and Lindi Joiner, and nephew, Joshua Zinck, but to take the role of fun uncle very seriously. In their memories, Richard will always be the uncle who said yes. Yes to pizza, to popcorn and slushies at the movies, to waiting in long, hot, lines for roller coasters, to scary movies, and to never sticking to a bed time. And while every kid should be so lucky for all of these reasons - they should also be so lucky to have someone who loved them so deeply.

Richard’s life was not without health struggles. He handled these issues with a tenacity that few could muster. This resiliency is how his family and friends choose to remember him, and we are grateful to those who medically cared for and supported him.

His final days gave the aforementioned friends and dear family - Diane and Ronnie Hampton, Lana and Butch Carrel, Travis Joiner, Michelle and Bri Mann - the chance to have last laughs, the opportunity to share old memories and as many I love you’s as possible. While we know his time on this side may not have felt long enough, we trust he was joyously greeted by those who went before him.

A private memorial will be held.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.