Reverend James Paul Poynor Iii

Reverend James Paul Poynor, III, 82, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed by death to endless life with Christ on July 31, 2023. A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 6952 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29212. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, he was the son of J. Paul Poynor, Jr., and Sarah Frances Poynor. Reverend Poynor attended Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, TN, and Ben Lippen High School in Asheville, NC. He also attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, Columbia International University in Columbia, SC, and Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Reverend Poynor was an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in America and a member of Palmetto Presbytery. He served as a missionary in Laos and Indonesia and served with Overseas Missionary Fellowship (former China Inland Mission). He was a pastor to churches in Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Reverend Poynor also served on the Board of Ridge Haven Camp and Conference in Brevard, NC. Growing up in a Cumberland Presbyterian Church family, Paul was saved by nine years old. As a high school student, he committed his life to serve Jesus Christ. He was blessed by God with his marriage to his wife and life partner, Alice, for 55 years. Paul delighted in the family life of their three sons and five grandchildren. He served the purpose of God in his generation. (Acts 13:36) Reverend Poynor is survived by his wife, Alice; his sons Daniel Poynor (Nancy and children, Charles and Bronwyn); David Poynor (Kathy and sons, William and Nathaniel); and Dean Poynor (Monica and son, Elrod). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Paul’s memory to Faith Missions Giving c/o St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 6952 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212.