Frederick Fayne Joyner

Frederick (Fred) Fayne Joyner passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026. He was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, on November 26, 1941, to Walter Charles Joyner and Ruth Ellen Joyner (Brannin). (A story still fondly told is that he was born in a taxicab on the way to Mount Park Hospital.)

Fred had a lifelong passion for aviation. Around the age of ten, he took his first airplane ride—an experience that left a lasting impression. His father watched from below after paying the then-hefty fee of five dollars. Fred later recalled that the aircraft was likely a Cessna 152 or 172. As a boy, he would watch B-47 military aircraft flying overhead on final approach to MacDill Air Force Base, fueling his fascination.

At seventeen, Fred joined the United States Air Force, where he began training in aircraft maintenance in Amarillo, working on F-86 Super Sabres. Over the course of his service, he honed his expertise on F-100s and F-105s and was stationed at numerous bases around the world, including Bitburg, Bentwaters, Kunsan, Yokota, Korat, and Takhli as well as US Air Force Bases-Nellis, Kirtland, McConnell, and George. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.

Following his military career, Fred continued his work in aviation as an Aircraft Safety Inspector for the FAA. He later founded Joyner Aviation Services, where he inspected critical components on large aircraft. He earned a degree from the University of South Florida and later a master’s degree in aviation safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Fred also had a deep love for the water, particularly the Hillsborough River. Even after a childhood incident in which his older brother David saved him from drowning, Fred returned again and again to the riverbanks—fishing, exploring, and searching for arrowheads while sharing adventures with family and friends. His appreciation for the water extended into adulthood, when he built a beautiful wooden Penobscot boat in his garage. He later enjoyed using it on the Indian River near Titusville, Florida. The boat remains in use today and is cherished by his brother-in-law Tony, who appreciated Fred’s craftsmanship.

Fred was known as dedicated, thorough, and steadfast. When asked what he treasured most, he would simply reply, “my children.” He shared many meaningful experiences with his children, Kevin and Michelle (“Shelly”), including camping and fishing trips to Lake Mead and time spent exploring the Grand Canyon. Kevin fondly recalls learning to drive a stick shift alongside Shelly—stalling often, but always met with Fred’s patience. Fred spent some very special times with his brother Walt and nephew Roger.

Fred shared 43 years of marriage with his wife, Susan. Together, they enjoyed boating along the coasts of Tampa, Tarpon Springs, and Key Largo, traveling to Munich and Cologne, and simply spending time in each other’s company.

He was also remembered for his compassion, especially toward animals. His sister-in-law Bridget shared, “Fred had such a tender heart for animals. One day while we were seining, my dog Choppers dashed into the dunes and ended up with several large, prickly burrs lodged painfully in his mouth. Fred didn’t hesitate—he reached in and carefully removed them one by one. He simply couldn’t stand to see an animal in pain.”

Fred is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan; his son, Kevin; his grandchildren Kyle, Blake, Alicia, Shannon, and Brittany; his great-grandchildren Isabella, Zander, Lillianna, Julian, and Azaria; his former wife Donna and the mother of his children; and numerous nieces and nephews, and his brothers- and sisters-in-law Tony, Joe, Michael, David, Mary Jane, Bridget, Claudia, Brigette and Wanda.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Shelly, his parents, Walter and Ruth; his brothers, Walt, David, Charles, nephews Walter and Luke; and his parents-in-law, Ed and Connie.