JOEL LEE MYERS
VIRGINIA BEACH- Joel Lee Myers, 56, passed away in his home on December 2, 2017.
He was born in Charleston, West Virginia and was a graduate of Owen Center in Kanawha Co, West Virginia. Joel participated in the West Virginia/Kanawha Co. School’s Special Olympics, Virginia Beach Special Olympics and the World Games Special Olympics in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Joel was a member of “The Chosen” in Virginia Beach and CLASP, Inc. He was an avid Redskin and West Virginia University football fan.
Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Sandra K. Myers; aunts and uncles, John G. Hebb II, Donna Hebb, John D. Ruddle, Pat Ruddle, Sharon Charbonniez, Kent N. Myers, Shelia Myers; Page O’Connor, his girlfriend of 25 years; Hartley John Jordan, his roommate and best bud of 26 years; good friends, Jay P. Thomas and family and Thomas McMahan of Virginia Beach. Also, he will be remembered by his many cousins in Virginia Beach and West Virginia, with whom he has had a close and loving relationship.
Joel was predeceased by his grandfather, John Glenn Hebb, grandmothers, Edna Hebb and Virginia B. Myers as well as his close WV friend, Robert Johnson.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice of Virginia Beach and CNA and friend Victoria Fitzgerald for their support.
Joel was very involved in Special Olympics and it would be an honor to have Joel remembered for his love of Special Olympics and life. Donations may be made to benefit the local Virginia Beach Special Olympics, Area 2 by going to the following website: https://www.tmcfunding.com/search/campaign/1943?layout=single.
Joel began his “Special Olympic Career” in 1968 in Kanawha County, Charleston, WV, running track and field events, while attending Owens Center. He enthusiastically continued with various sports and in 1983 he was selected to attend Special Olympic World Games in Baton Rouge, LA, along with 4,000 other athletes from around the world. He brought home a silver medal, in track, and lasting memories.
In 1985, he moved with his mother to Virginia Beach and instantly began participating in the Virginia Beach Area 2 Special Olympics. Because of their very active program he was able to participate in a variety of sports: volley ball; track and field; soft ball; golf; bowling, and his favorite – basketball. He and his team brought home Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, as well as many 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons. He looked forward to practice every weekend and he especially loved the road trips to the annual State Games and other regional tournaments.
Even during his last months he was still eager to get back in the “game”! He loved his teammates and his coaches, especially “Coach Jim Stott”. Being selected to go to State Games and getting the new t-shirt was always a big deal with him, his roommate, Hartley Jordan, and other teammates. His last tournament was bowling, November 2016, just before his 55th birthday. He got a new t-shirt!
Joel embodied the Special Olympian motto –
SKILL, COURAGE, SHARING AND JOY
Condolences may be expressed at www.altmeyerfh.com.
Altmeyer Funeral Home, VA. Beach is in charge of the arrangements.
Joel Myers
Joel Myers
I first met Joel in the Sugar Plum Bakery in 1985. He was always the brightest spot of my volunteer days! I knew both Joel and Hartley; they were quite a pair! Joel and Hartley taught all of us what it meant to be a friend! Sandi, I am very sorry for your loss of such a precious son. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
So very sorry to hear of Joel’s passing. I worked with Joel at Sugar Plum Bakery 25 years ago, and always have remembered his great joy and spirit. I will remember as he was –
always with a smile on his face.
I too grew up on Roosevelt Avenue and was honored to have known Joel and his mother, they were my friends and they both touched my heart as they touched anyone that they came in contact with. Just two of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met.
Joel’s passing is a sad time as his big smile, big hugs, and his being around anyone was so uplifting but God has a plan and though we don’t necessarily always understand it, we accept it and our thankful for the time that we were blessed to have Joel in our life. When you have such a precious soul like Joel, the pain and suffering can be unbearable but he is in a better place though we grieve for him and we should as he has made a difference in so many others. Joel was a brother to me and he made my life better for being a part of it.
Sandi, I love you and that handsome son and have always missed you guys not being in Charleston, I’m a little selfish I guess. Please know you and Joel are in my prayers and in my heart always. God bless!
Joel was one of the first Special Olympians I met and his charm and warm smile are memories that have stayed with me through all the years. He was a great competitor and a true friend to so many. He always had a smile when I would see him at Sugar Plum Bakery. His mom is the best and she taught me so much. I’m so sad to hear of Joel’s passing but he will always be in our hearts. Sandy, my love and prayers are with you and all of Joel’s extended family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts & prayers are with you. I’ll always remember the last State Games that I was part of. Joel & I were roommates and we had a really great time together. Love & prayers Emmett Bunch
I grew up with Joel on Roosevelt Ave. As neighborhood kids, we all loved Joel and he was just simply one of us. We played kick ball in the street and learn to ride bikes together. I remember when he moved away that it left quite the void in the neighborhood with not just his friends but many of his adult friends as well. Even though we lost touch after he moved I still thought of him often and wondered where he was and how he was doing. Kids grow up and go their separate ways but you always have that friend that you just never forget. Joel was that friend. He was a good loyal friend growing up the kind that you never forget or replace.
I have known Joel for many years. I was shocked and saddened to see his passing in today’s paper. I came to know Joel in my position with the City of VA Beach Department of Human Services. His mother would call me with questions and I was always happy to answer them. I knew Joel loved Special Olympics and I was always glad to see them in the local parades. I would cheer for them and call them by name. He was a bright light and will be missed.
I remember Joel. I even tried to find him on FB awhile back. His mom was my Speech teacher at EBHS. Joel was usually at our school in the afternoons. He was a friendly and funny guy. My condolences, Mrs. Myers. You and he both left a lasting impression on me.