Joseph Earl Herndon

Retired US Army Colonel Joseph Earl Herndon, Jr., 84, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Monday, February 18, 2019. Born in Hilda, SC he was the son of the late Earl and Jennie Herndon, and was predeceased by beloved wife Jacquelyn; and brother-in-law, Charles Lawrence. Earl is survived by children: Joe Herndon, Laurens; Heather Herndon, Clemson; Todd Herndon (Betsy), San Antonio, TX; Grandchildren: Grace, Wright, Meredith Herndon, San Antonio, TX; sister, Polly Ann Wells (Frank), Simpsonville; nephews: Dave Wall (Marissa), Mike Wall (Laura); Niece: Jennifer Wall; sister-in-law Ruth Lawrence, Simpsonville; nephew, Charles Lawrence; niece, Lyn Mixson (John); great niece, Meredith Mixson and great nephew, Drayton Mixson.

Earl earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree from Clemson in 1956 and a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota in 1961. While serving in the Army for 30 years Earl received the following awards: Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; and Overseas Service Ribbon.

Earl, with Jackie began his Army career in San Antonio, TX. Earl moved to Minneapolis, MN to continue his education earning a Masters degree from the University of Minnesota with high honors. Earl and Jackie were stationed in many locations including Munich Germany; Edgewood Arsenal, MD; Fort Leavenworth, KS; Frankfurt Germany and Alexandria, VA making lifelong friends that are spread all over the world. While stationed in Virginia for 16 years, Earl enjoyed frequent trips to Chincoteague, VA fishing for flounder, crabbing, clamming, boating and sharing time with family and friends. Earl served as a Deacon at Plymouth Haven Baptist Church and was active in leadership roles for the Boy Scouts of America.

Upon retiring from the Army in 1987, Earl relocated to Seneca, SC and began a new career as the Director of Examinations for the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). For 25 years Earl and Jackie lived in their dream home on Lake Keowee. They hosted multiple church groups, Sunday school activities, and other parties. Earl was fond of providing pontoon boat tours of the lake to friends and family. Earl loved creating elaborate treasure hunts for his grandchildren, great niece and nephew on the lake front property. Earl explored his artistic side during retirement creating many treasured Santa Claus and dolphin wood carvings as well as tables using reclaimed wood from Hardin Hall. Earl's grandchildren were blessed by his wood carvings in the form of hand-made sling-shots. Earl and Jackie loved participating in the First Baptist Church of Clemson's college student "adoption" program providing mentoring, emotional support and reflecting the love of Jesus to many students that participated in the program over many years. Earl and Jackie were philanthropic givers to Furman and Clemson Universities helping to fund numerous projects like the building the Class of 1956 Academic Success Center. In addition to serving his country in the Army, Earl continuously served others throughout his lifetime driving retired military in the South Carolina Upstate to the Veterans Hospital, serving leadership roles in the Rotary International and serving on various committees at Clemson Downs.

In 2012 Earl and Jackie moved to Clemson Downs where they enjoyed the final stages of retirement surrounded by friends and many wonderful caregivers. Earl befriended many Clemson students in the Communications program sharing stories about the time he spent as the Manager of the Clemson Football team under Coach Frank Howard in the early 50's. The Clemson Veterans Project documented Earl's military service and is available at the Library of Congress. The following link is part of the documentary created by Clemson students in the Communications Major. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybQu4u1nCd8

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Building Fund, First Baptist Church of Clemson, 397 College Avenue, Clemson, SC 29631.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Clemson on Sunday February 24, 2019 at 2:00 pm with a receiving of friends at 1:00 pm. For those that can't attend in person, First Baptist of Clemson will be streaming the funeral service online on the following website: https://firstbaptistclemson.com/worship/view-worship-online .

An interment ceremony will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC which is assisting the family.