Clifford Joiner

Clifford Joiner was born in Wedowee, Randolph County, Alabama, to the late Leroy and Alma Joiner. From the very beginning, his life was marked by steadiness, warmth and a quiet strength that would bless countless people for generations. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his siblings, Lance, Ledford and Victor.

Clifford’s love story began early. As young teenagers, ages 12 and 14, he and Gail Jean Ward-Joiner met in the Avondale community, forming a friendship that would mature into a lifelong bond. What began as youthful companionship became a sacred partnership, and together they shared more than 44 years of marriage built on love, loyalty, laughter and faith.

A proud graduate of Hughes High School, Class of 1976, Clifford was a lifelong learner and a gifted craftsman. He completed two years of certification in welding and carpentry and became widely known as a man who could fix, build, or improve just about anything. A master drywall hanger and finisher, Clifford embodied dedication to his work. It was often said — only half in jest — that even brand-new items had to be taken apart and put back together by Cliff before they were truly “right.”

His strong work ethic carried him through many seasons of service. He worked as a forklift driver at Cincinnati Tags, faithfully served more than 16 years on the night shift at UC Hospital as an environmental service worker and later retired from Calvary Kids, where he was cherished as a dependable and skilled maintenance professional.

A man of deep faith, Clifford was a devoted member of Mt. Calvary E.C.O.G.I.C., where his life reflected his love for God through service to others. He had a servant’s heart and an ever[1]present smile. Whether helping behind the scenes or lending a hand wherever needed, Clifford served with humility and joy.

Outside of work and church, Clifford embraced life fully. He loved cooking meals that brought people together, fishing with patience and peace, cruising for the sheer pleasure of the ride, and making music on his saxophone and lead guitar. Known affectionately as Cliff, Duke, Joiner, J and Joiner Man, he was also a legendary practical joker whose humor could light up any room and whose laughter lingered long after he left.

From 1994 through 2025, Clifford became affectionately known as “the neighborhood candy man,” delighting children and adults alike with his one-of-a-kind flavored ices. For many, those sweet treats are inseparable from the sweet memories of his kindness, generosity and familiar presence.

Clifford Joiner lived a life of faith, craftsmanship, laughter and love. He gave much, expected little and left this world better than he found it.

Those Left to Cherish His Memory — Clifford leaves behind: his devoted wife and lifelong companion, Gail Jean Joiner; his children, Ronnie, Reggie, Micheal, Marqita, Shanesa, Lonnie, Santwan and Isaiah (Raven); his cousins, Earl, Ryan, Latesha (Micheal) and Rikkia (Mario); his last living brother, Stanley Joiner (Toni); his brothers and sisters-in-love, Fred (Gwen), Janet, Perry (Sharon), Daren (Lorretta), Sandra (Theodore), Phyllis and Hassan Ward; 77 foster children, whose lives he touched and shaped; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, neighbors and friends.

Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the legacy he leaves behind — a life well lived, a love well given and a memory that will forever remain.

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