Eight Bells: Joey Chomyn

Joseph “Joey” Riley Chomyn, 17, the kind and beloved son of June and John J. Chomyn of the Isle of Palms, South Carolina, died Saturday evening, August 11, 2018, in a powerboating accident near Limehouse Bridge on the Stono River in Johns Island, South Carolina. His body was recovered early Monday, August 13.

Joey was born on July 22, 2001 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Having been raised on the coast of Freeport, Maine, Joey could be seen from an early age lobstering and motoring to sailing lessons at the Harraseeket Yacht Club, where he was a leader within their youth sailing program.

The sport of sailing was a passion with Joey winning the Maine state youth sailing championship by the age of 13, various club championships and sailing recreationally and within competitive races throughout the Northeast Junior Sailing circuit.

Joey with his team at the
2018 U.S. Junior Sailing Championships.

Joey became an integral part of the James Island Yacht Club sailing program where he served as an instructor and was well known within the local sailing community. Most recently he competed in the triple-handed event at the 2018 U.S. Junior Sailing Championships held August 6-10 in La Salle, Michigan.

Joey, as a rising Senior at Porter Gaud School, excelled as an honor student and in sports as a member of State championship lacrosse teams, track and field teams and as Captain of the sailing team. Joey’s talents provided him the innate ability to sheepishly play various musical instruments to the delight of his family and friends.

His funeral service will be held at St. Michael’s Church, Charleston, SC on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a casual reception at the James Island Yacht Club. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Joey Chomyn Sailing Foundation, P.O. Box 1415, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29465-1415.

In addition to his parents, numerous friends and a supportive community, Joey is survived by his adored sisters, Claire Elizabeth and Mallerie Leigh of the home and devoted dog, Winslow. Family include his Grandparents, Mr. Joseph Chomyn (Anita-d) of Freeport, ME, Mrs. Dessie Gene Ray of Conway, SC, Mr. Rufus Floyd, Jr. of Aynor, SC and his uncles and aunt, Mr. Christopher Chomyn (Lindsay) of Los Angeles, CA, Mr. Tim Floyd, Mr. Jason Floyd of Aynor, SC and Ms. April Floyd of Myrtle Beach, SC; as well as a number of adored cousins.