Joel Timothy Pummill

Joel Timothy "Harley", "Dad", "Bear", "Papa" Pummill
The world became a less joyful and interesting place with the passing of Joel Pummill (AKA Harley Benner). He took his last bow and curtain call on Thursday morning, 23 January 2025 after a short, excruciating yet brave and stoic battle with cancer. He was born 22 July 1956 to Jack Pummill and Mary Joanne Benner and was a force of nature from the start.
As a young boy in Dayton, Ohio and later as a teenager and an adult, he lived in Moreno Valley, California and Slidell, Louisiana where he dabbled in photography and ballet. More importantly, he began his life-long love of theater. He enjoyed school but not the actual attending classes part (he made a lot of friends). From his teenage years through his mid-30s he lived a life of adventure. Announcing NASCAR Races and NHRA Drag Racing in Southern California were passions of his; along with women and divulging in the "devil's lettuce".
Incongruously, he enlisted in the Air Force at 19 and worked in Security Forces, receiving an Honorable Discharge after (go figure) deciding that the military life was not for him.
He loved his daughters Jodi and Jessica more than words could describe. He was a single father who raised two rambunctious girls with tenderness, love and, on occasion, toughness. It was important to him to raise strong, compassionate and knowledgeable daughters. He succeeded admirably.
A few years into his single dad adventures, he met the love of his life, Debora (AKA Tinkerbell), at a Halloween party. They had an immediate spark and connection. After a somewhat fast courtship, they were married at sea that Harley described as "magical." The family was made whole!
Shortly after their marriage, Deb, who was active-duty Air Force, was transferred and the family moved to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. They traveled there on a plane that, according to Harley, was held together with "duct tape and baling wire". It was rumored that Jack Daniels played a huge part in keeping him calm for the flight.
While in Turkey, he taught children's theater and "the thespian way." He served in the Department of Defense school system as a Logistics Officer for three years. While there he began his "vegetarian journey" and remained a vegetarian throughout the rest of his life (although, he did accidentally have a real meat burger prior to his passing-ask the family about this funny story). He enjoyed Turkey because of the middle eastern people, the culture, the amazing food and the travel adventures with his family.
After Turkey, the family moved to Panama City and began their new exploits. He embarked on his spectacular radio career and "Uncle Harley" was born. He took on the handle of "Harley" and was known as such for the next 30 years. Holding true to his new name, he purchased several Harley Davidson motorcycles. He loved to ride the open road wearing his assless chaps. He also enjoyed working on, rebuilding, and painting Harley Davidson motorcycles. He completed several fantastic rebuilds.
He will be remembered as a local treasure and icon as well as an amazing radio personality. His voice was known as the best damn voice in radio (Deep-Clear-Resonant-Sexy). For years, he emceed many Seabreeze, Pensacola and local Jazz festivals. Harley was admired and befriended by famous jazz artists such as Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, and Brian Culberson, just to name just a few. He also had the pleasure of interviewing many prominent artists and personalities.
Harley had a passion for public radio. He specifically admired WKGC for its purity and variety of programming. He served as the Station Manager and hosted the popular "The Morning Vibe" show along with his non-partisan political show called "Somewhere in the Middle". He also shared his experiences and expertise by teaching journalism student's real world radio practices.
During this time, he rediscovered his zest for the theater. He wrote, directed and starred in many productions across Bay County. Additionally, he shared his gifts with the next generation of thespians by instructing at the Summer Kids Camp for up-and-coming theater enthusiasts.
After retirement he threw himself into his numerous hobbies such as metal art, wood working, and motorcycle restoration. He rescued animals and insects (spiders, birds, palmetto bugs, dogs, cats, frogs, lizards, and ducks). He was devoted to helping family, friends and strangers at every opportunity that he could. He adored spending time with his grandchildren; and included them in wood working, welding projects as well as giving them musical motivation and life advice to name a few. Harley was a true Renaissance man, a real "Jack of all Trades" and credited the bulk of skills and how to be a good man to his stepdad Lou Cassler and his father in-law Ray Reed.
A huge part of Harley's life was being a charter member of the "Soggy Bottom Gang". Established almost 20 years ago, devoted to wine, life on the water, food, desserts, scotch and just plain ole fun and shenanigans with his best friends. It is also where Harley invented Jock Strap Golf. If you want more information, ask any member.
In leu of flowers or other offerings, in honor of Harley, a donation to the NWFL Great Dane Rescue would be a great option. Their Venmo is @NWFLGDR. Or a 25-year Macallan Scotch to his BFF Bobby! (Who btw can't quit him).
His special talents included singing, dancing to Apple Bottom Jeans, juggling, impersonations, story telling, useless trivia, and expertly emptying vodka, scotch and wine bottles.
Harley was preceded in death by his Father Jack Pummill, Mother Mary Joanne Benner, Step Dad Lou Cassler, Brother Jay Pummill, Father-in-law Ray Reed and Mother-in-law Lil Reed.
Survived by his wife of 35 years Debora, Daughter Jessica, Daughter Jodi, Bonus Daughter Erika, Grandson Charlie, Granddaughter Scarlett, Grandson Elias, Grandson Ezra, Grandson Jon, Granddaughter Makayla, Granddaughter Jenna, Brother Jeff, Niece Leah, Sister Jill (Husband Robert), Nephew Joseph, Niece Jennifer, Fur Daughters Lucy and Baby Roo, The Soggy Bottom Gang, Fellow Thespians, many friends, numerous cats and ducks.
Harley was the epitome of what a father, husband, papa, and friend should be. He was a true treasure and larger than life entity who could not be contained. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. Harley lived a full and enviable life. He will be deeply missed, always remembered and loved for all eternity. The legacy Harley leaves behind will channel his love, spirit, humor and wisdom in all of our hearts forever.
A final Message from Harley to his Family "Love Yer Guts!"
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Joel Timothy Pummill, please visit our floral store.