- Date Of Birth: September 21, 1925
- Date Of Death: December 27, 2017
- State: Colorado
Harry Dudley Joynton, Jr. was born to Harry Dudley Joynton, Sr. and Helen Estelle Cram Joynton on September 21, 1925, in Macon, Georgia. He died on December 27, 2017, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Harry prepared himself for his career as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy by enlisting as an Apprentice Seaman during the Second World War and soon thereafter entering the highly competitive V-12 officer training program. For twenty-three years he served his country around the world on active duty with assignments to patrol craft, destroyer escorts, a minesweeper, communications headquarters, and several destroyers, the last of which he commanded. A high point for the family was a three-year tour of duty in Oslo, Norway (1957-60). Selfless devotion to duty marked the entirety of his military career. As a citizen he demonstrated patriotism by praying for our nation’s leaders and by promoting adherence to its moral and spiritual foundations, fiscal responsibility in its governmental operations, and stewardship of its environmental resources for future generations.
On the strength of his virtues as a son and brother, Harry assumed the mantle of husband and father with natural grace and discernment about building and maintaining familial bonds. He was ever a paragon of love, fidelity, and unity of common purpose to his life partner, the former Mary Ruth Jordan, of Summit, Mississippi. To his sons he was the one who defined manliness in subtle and exceptional ways. By precept and example he taught them to enjoy the rigors of outdoor life, the technique of manual arts, the discipline of self-control, the aspiration to noble ends, the challenge of school and career, the conduct of a gentleman, the vibrancy of family life, and the depth of Christian faith. To his parents he was the one who honored and cared for them to the end. To his daughters-in-law and grandchildren, he was an affectionate and helpful spirit, slyly offering clues to the enigmatic natures of their husbands and fathers.
Harry was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years, Mary Ruth (Jordan) Joynton. He is survived by his sons and their wives, Olin and Pat Joynton, Stan and Lynne Joynton, and Dan and Maureen Joynton; by eight grandchildren; and by four great-grandchildren.
Memorial gifts can be mailed to:
– The Harry and Mary Ruth Joynton, Jr. Scholarship Fund, the Alpena Community College
Foundation, 665 Johnson Street, Alpena, MI 49707.
– The Navigators, PO Box 6000, Colorado Springs, CO 80934.
