In memory of Albert Joyner, one of the nation’s most successful owners of McDonald’s franchises and philanthropist and Tom Joyner’s brother, the Tom Joyner Foundation has created the Al Joyner Memorial Scholarship to help support students attending his alma mater, Tuskegee University.
He passed away in Jackson, Mississippi on June 3, 2015. He was 69.
Joyner was a fervent family man and is survived by his wife, Danita, and four children – Michael, Allison, Danielle and Albert Jr. He is also survived by his brother, Tom, and nephews Thomas Joyner, Jr. and Oscar Joyner.
Known for his dry wit and keen business acumen, he bought his first McDonald’s franchise in Mobile, Alabama. With the success of this first restaurant, he formed My Joy, Inc. and went on to own numerous franchises in Birmingham and Jackson, Mississippi. Mack Wilbourn, owner of one of the first minority McDonald’s franchises in the Southeast, as well as Joyner’s mentor and friend, has said that one of his greatest accomplishments was mentoring Albert Joyner.
Always with an eye to make something happen, Albert collaborated with his brother to break the regional record for the most cars served in a McDonald’s drive-through in an hour at one of his Jackson, Mississippi locations. At the end of the hour, 419 cars had been served, breaking the previous record of 288 at a Baton Rouge McDonald’s. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, Albert Joyner attended Tuskegee Institute High School and graduated from the famed Tuskegee University (née Institute), majoring in physical education.
If you wish to send a check, please make your check payable to the “Tom Joyner Foundation” and in the memo field on the check, write “Al Joyner Memorial Scholarship. You may send the check to the following address:
Tom Joyner Foundation c/o Al Joyner Memorial Scholarship Fund
PO Box 630495
Irving, TX 75063-0495