Jerry Wayne Joyner's Obituary
Jerry Wayne Joyner, known affectionately to friends and family as JJ, passed away from a brief illness on August 13, 2024, at the age of 88.
Jerry graduated from Humes High School, then in 1957 joined the Marines for two years of service in several locations ending at home in Memphis.
Jerry enjoyed success in two careers. His first career at Penn Mutual Life Insurance included early achievements opening agencies in two cities which ultimately led to his national leadership role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing in Penn Mutual’s Philadelphia headquarters. He held that role until 1984. He always kept his humility at the forefront seeing himself as just a boy from Memphis TN who came to Philadelphia to lead a national team. He kept a humble perspective by looking at the historical vista and saying a grateful prayer daily for his blessings.
Within a couple of years, out of a passion for golf and given the opportunity to build a community, he accepted an offer from Professional Golfers Association as a Director of Marketing. He initially focused on PGA’s Southwind start-up in Germantown, TN then PGA expanded his marketing role to include advice on a regional basis. He retired in 2006 from this second career.
His passion and leadership at Penn Mutual, Southwind and PGA were widely recognized and left a mark on many lives as a mentor. Young managers under his mentorship remark that he made them both better professionals and better parents for their children.
Jerry was deeply committed and caring of Harolyn, his wife of 45 years, and that devoted relationship led to a greater joy shared with others in even the smallest of daily gifts, like sharing a back porch swing, sharing meals with others or defining best daily exercise as “a walk down a path with my beautiful wife”, They were inseparable.
As a parent and grandparent, Jerry was constantly thinking of the joys and pride in each child and guided the family through life’s rough waters with wisdom and deep love for all.
Jerry is predeceased by his parents James and Peggy Joyner and grand-daughter, Greer Joyner. He leaves behind his wife Harolyn, children Robert W Joyner (Sherri), Paula L. Joyner, Jerry W. Joyner, Jr (Julia), David M. Joyner (Estelle) and stepchildren Stephanie Barbour (Bill), Glen Stephenson (Tammy) and Suzanne Williams (Stephen). He is also survived by grandchildren Melanie Huggins, Connor Joyner, Nolan Joyner, Hudson Joyner; Hayes Joyner, Haley Jo Joyner, Jessie Lee Joyner; Blake Joyner, Ashley Joyner, and Ella Joyner, and step-grandchildren Kimberly Lane, Christopher Stephenson; Sarah Fox, Cameron Fox, Ella Fox; Taylor Hein and Thomas Henry.
He also leaves behind brothers, Jim (Gail) and Phil (Ina Sue) Joyner. These three shared a very unique and tight bond shaping and strengthening their lives and family.
A visitation will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10 AM at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 AM followed by a reception at 11:00 AM. For family and those able to attend, Graveside Service will begin at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Germantown Baptist Church or the charity of choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
How did Jerry make you smile?