A Legacy of Faith and Giving: E. Carroll Joyner
E. Carroll Joyner’s story begins on a small 29-acre produce farm in the community of Dobbersville, North Carolina, where he and his three brothers grew up learning the value of hard work and faith. “We were poor,” he says matter-of-factly, “but we didn’t know it.”
Those early years of feeding hogs, trading eggs for molasses, and sleeping under quilts sewn from scraps shaped not only his work ethic but his lifelong commitment to helping others. “My mother used to visit people who were sick or struggling,” he recalls. “She’d take them food, a cake, or a pound of sausage. I don’t think I’d have learned as much about giving if it hadn’t been for her.”
Success with a Higher Purpose
Now in his 90’s, Mr. Joyner is known throughout North Carolina as a successful businessman and philanthropist. A proud North Carolina State University graduate, he has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree, and his name graces the E. Carroll Joyner Visitor Center on campus. Perhaps his most visible gift to the community is the E. Carroll Joyner Park in Wake Forest—124 acres of rolling meadows, walking trails, and ponds that once made up his cattle farm. But to hear him tell it, his greatest accomplishment is not success, it’s stewardship.
Faith as a Guiding Principle
“The Lord told me early on, ‘You’re not a preacher, but you can make money and give it to people who know how to preach and spread the Gospel.’ That’s what I’ve tried to do with my life.”
Mr. Joyner’s journey from humble beginnings to a legacy of impact has been guided by faith and an unwavering belief in using his blessings to make a difference. Over his lifetime, he has given away more than $18 million to causes close to his heart, with plans to give even more through his estate. “My will says 100 percent goes to the Lord’s work. If you’ve got extra money and there are people who need help, I don’t know how you could sleep well at night if you don’t step up to the plate to help.”
Partnering with The Salvation Army
Among the organizations included in his estate plans is The Salvation Army whose mission aligns closely with his values.
“I believe The Salvation Army works to do two things,” he says. “They help people who’ve had unfortunate situations, and they help them find the Lord. I trust they’ll use what I give to help people get on their feet and learn they’re going to need Christ the rest of their life.”
Living Simply, Giving Generously
Known for his humor, humility, and old-fashioned practicality, he still uses a flip phone—Mr. Joyner’s wisdom is grounded in gratitude. He knows with wealth comes responsibility. “The worst thing you can do,” he says, “is have more money than what you need and not help people. If you’ve done well, you can make a difference.”
For The Salvation Army, Mr. Joyner’s planned gift represents more than financial support; it reflects a shared belief that hope and faith can change lives. His generosity will help ensure that individuals and families have access to shelter, food, counseling, and the spiritual care they need to rebuild their lives.
Building a Legacy Beyond Business
As for how he’d like to be remembered, Mr. Joyner’s answer is as genuine as his giving. “I’d like to be remembered for who I am. I grew up poor and was happy to have cornbread every day. I have been fortunate in my life and I believe if you’ve got a little extra money and you can help people have a better life, what in the world can you do better than that?”
Through his planned giving, Mr. Joyner continues to live out his mother’s lessons and his faith’s calling--a testament to what it means to live with purpose and leave a legacy of lasting impact.