Nelson Phillip Joyner

Nelson Phillip Joyner, age 84, passed away at his home in Pensacola, Florida, on Sunday, February 26, 2023, surrounded in love with his family by his side. Nelson was born on April 25, 1938 in Butler County, Alabama, to Nolan Elthard and Gladys Edna Lorena Ward Joyner. He was a graduate of Georgianna High School and became a master tile and marble setter through on the job experience and hard work. Nelson’s career began with Angelini Tile Company which provided the opportunity for him to showcase his skill and integrity. When he started his own business, All Ceramic Tile and Marble, Nelson worked on many of the finer homes and businesses in and around Pensacola. In addition to having his work showcased throughout the area, Nelson’s work was also published in an international magazine. Later in life, Nelson and his wife, Donavee, built their home together, side by side, with breathtaking and beautiful tile and marble throughout the entire house. Nelson and Donavee were married for 63 years, raising seven children together. His greatest joy was his family. He, along with his wife, taught their children the importance of hard work, honesty, integrity, love for others, and love for the Lord. Nelson was very active in his children’s lives, from coaching tee ball and little league teams, to being the soccer parent on the sidelines. Having once played his guitar on the radio with some friends and with Porter Wagoner, Nelson passed this love of music onto his children and then his grandchildren. Family gatherings were often filled with music and singing, harmonizing together when he would belt out the words “harmonize.” Nelson enjoyed hunting and fishing, joining a hunting club in his later years. He loved watching sports and Monday nights he had control over the television to watch whatever game was playing. He’d watch any sport, but he “Rolled with the Tide.” As member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Nelson served in many different capacities that allowed him to strengthen his love for the Lord while learning to love those he served. He was a living example of Christlike love and devotion. Nelson and Donavee served as church missionaries for 18 months in Sri Lanka where they had the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others while also making lifelong friends. Nelson loved the Lord with all his heart. Nelson is preceded in death by his parents, Nolan and Gladys Joyner; and his two older sisters, Betty Crabtree and Jean Bedford. Nelson is survived by his wife, Donavee; his children, Teressa Swetnam, Phill Joyner, Geneva Sanchez-Morales, Rebecca Ricks, Edna Felix, Aaron Joyner, and Isaac Joyner; 29 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services for Nelson Phillip Joyner will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (9490 Fox Run Road Pensacola, Florida 32514) with visitation beginning at 11:30 AM until 12:15 PM on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Services will begin at 12:30 PM. Nelson will be laid to rest at Pensacola Memorial Gardens at 2:00 PM following the service. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy., Pensacola, Florida 32505 entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Nelson Phillip Joyner

April 25, 1938 - February 26, 2023