William Herschel Joyner, age 84, of Panama City, FL, went home to be with the Lord on July 4, 2015.
Born on December 13, 1930, to Harper B. and Annie Mae McClemry Joyner of Panama City, FL. Herschel was a life-long resident of Bay County, Fl and a graduate of Bay County High School.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Myrtice Glaze, his two brothers, Raymond D. Joyner, Ewell M. Joyner and his nephew, William "Billy" Glaze.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elva "Delle" Galloway Joyner; his sisters: Nadine Stephens and her sons: Jimmy , Kenny and Larry Stephens; Janice Mixon and her sons: Jerry and Don Mixon; Ewell Joyner's children: Jill Evans and Tommy Joyner; Raymond Joyner's daughter, Flora Ann Sowell.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 4, 1951, and received his Basic Military Training at the U.S. Training Center in San Diego, CA. He was then assigned to the Naval Technical School for training in Electronics and upon successful completion of the course he was assigned to teach and was an instructor for a period of time. His most significant duty assignment was to the U.S. Naval Communications Station, Adak, Alaska during the Korean War as a Radio Operator and Maintenance Technician. He was honorable Discharged on December 1, 1955. During his military service he tested for and passed the FCC test and was awarded his First Class Radio/Telephone License. After completing his military service he enrolled at Gulf Coast Community College with intentions of earning his college degree. However, he was offered the opportunity of employment with Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph which became a part of AT&T. He was instrumental in many of the major telecommunications installations throughout Northwest Florida and surrounding areas. He also taught several of AT&T's telecommunications courses. He retired from AT&T after 34 years of service.
Herschel had a life-long love for singing, writing, and teaching "Convention Music" and was taught basic shaped note theory at a young age by his mother. This style of music is the basis for "Southern Gospel Music" and many of the renowned Gospel Music singers were well versed in recognizing and singing the "Shaped Notes". After his retirement from AT&T and Delle's retirement from Bell South Telephone, the two of them became deeply involved in "Convention Singings" throughout the southeast and southwest United States.
From the year 2002 thru 2012, he was the editor and assistant to the publisher, Mrs. Martha Ham, of Texas Legendary Music's convention songbooks. The company was started through the efforts of the late Robert S. Arnold who authored the very popular gospel song, "No Tears In Heaven". Mrs. Ham had been closely associated with Mr. Arnold and after his death she became the publisher of the books.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. John Friedman officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Covenant Hospice or the charity of your choice in memory of Herschel Joyner.