Joseph "Joey" H. Jernigan

Joseph “Joey” H. Jernigan, III went home to be with his Heavenly Father on the morning of August 28, 2026. He left behind a devoted wife, two fur babies, a cherished family, and many dear friends. Joey was born to Joseph “Joe” Jernigan, Jr. and Carolyn Ann Stewart on January 26, 1968, in Ahoskie, NC. He was a graduate of Hertford County High School Class of 1986 where he excelled in sports, despite many injuries. After graduation, Joey enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served proudly for two years before having a car accident. After recovering, he earned a degree in industrial engineering from East Carolina University Class of 1993. He used this degree to assist many clients achieve independence from disabilities while he was employed as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the state of North Carolina in Rocky Mount. While there, he was an active member of the Jaycees. In 1996, he relocated to Dothan, AL to work with his father in the lumber industry. He spent many years in lumber sales and overseeing plant operations at different Jernigan-owned lumber businesses. On May 1, 1998, he married the love of his life, Lori Ann Cook, whom he met in 1985. They moved to Graceville, FL where he was a member of the Graceville Lions Club alongside his father. Joey was a devoted and supportive husband. He and Lori enjoyed many years together fishing, boating, camping with fur babies, making new friends, going to the beach and traveling to see family. He loved grilling out and cooking for friends and family. They discovered the Forgotten Coast in the early 2000’s and fell head over heels, finally moving Port St Joe, FL in 2020. Joey immersed himself in the community and soon became part of the community’s fabric. Because he was an avid supporter of his wife’s hobbies, he was an active member of the Port St Joe Salt Air Farmers Market (later taking over management of the market) and working in one of the local shops, where he soon jumped at the opportunity to become a partner in 2022, then full owner in 2023 when Goin’ Coastal PSJ was born. He was a member of the Port St. Joe Lion’s Club, Coastal Conservation Association Port St Joe Chapter, and was on the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He was a generous supporter of many of our community events and supported many organizations through 1st Friday events. Although Joey had been saved many years ago, it was not until the last several years that he truly turned his life over to our Lord and Savior and found his forever family in Christ at Windmark Beach Church. When Joey finally laid it all down at the foot of the cross, he saw so much love and light and was a changed man. He shared his love of Christ with many and enjoyed weekly bible study with the men at Covenant House. Joey gave so much of himself to his family, friends, and community. He never met a stranger, always had a smile on his face and a hug to give. He was never defeated by any limitations and always tried to lift people up. He was an inspiration to many people. Joey is survived by his wife Lori Cook Jernigan and two fur babies, Della Grace and Emmitt, mother, Carolyn Stewart Jernigan Martin, Ahoskie, NC, other mother, Priscilla Everett Jernigan, Graceville, FL, sisters Carla Jernigan Fuller, Virginia Beach, VA and Jennifer Hickey Broder (Guido), Canton, GA, brother Chris Jernigan (Angie), Graceville, FL, mother-in-law Barbara Payne (Marianna), sister-in-law Sherri Cook Williams (Wayne), brothers-in-law Tony Payne (April), Dothan, AL and Scott Payne (Carla), Babcock Ranch, FL, 17 nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews, numerous aunts and uncles and cousins. Joey was preceded in death by his father, Joe Jernigan, Graceville, FL, paternal grandparents Hubert and Fannie Jernigan, maternal grandparents JB and Mildred Stewart, all from Lewiston, NC and father-in-law Robert Payne, Marianna, FL. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Windmark Beach Church 11 Good Morning Street, Port St. Joe, FL Tuesday September 1, 2026, at 10:00am EST. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memoriam to Windmark Beach Church 11 Good Morning Street, Port St. Joe, FL 32456, The Covenant House 11636 Chipola Park Road, Kinard, FL 32449 or St. Joseph Bay Humane Society 1007 Tenth Street, Port St. Joe, FL 32456

Joseph "Joey" H. Jernigan

January 26, 1968 - August 28, 2026