William Robert (Bobby) Joyce, age 86 of Bassett passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family and his special friend and nurse Kayla. He was born on Sept. 23rd, 1937. He was born in Patrick County VA to the late Louie Washington Joyce and Nannie Sue Tuggle Joyce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters; Edith Wray, James Curtis Joyce, Dolphus Joyce, Ilda Mitchell, Racine Craig, Geneva Dillon, Annie Bea Adams, and Ronnie Joyce.
Surviving is his loving and dedicated wife of 55 years, Jean Hancock Joyce. Three sons; Darrell Wayne Joyce (Beth) of Axton VA, Robert Todd Joyce (Lisa) of Mooresville NC, and Chad Lee Joyce (Rachel) of Richmond VA. Seven grandchildren; Tanner Evan Joyce, Owen Robert Joyce, Ryan Michael Joyce, Meredith Ann Joyce, Reed Anderson Joyce, Brady Michael Joyce, and Bella Grace Joyce. Two Sisters; Nellie Terry (Carl), Peggy Merriman (Moyer). Brother; Tommy Joyce (Emma Dean). Brother in-law; David Adams (Bea). Many nieces and nephews and wonderful special friends.
Bobby served in the United States Air Force from 1955-1959 and the reserves until 1963. He was a very dedicated and hard-working family man that worked at various places across his career including JD Bassett, WB Chevrolet, Dave’s Texaco, RP Thomas Trucking, Roy Bowles Construction, Warren Trucking, B&B Trucking and after retirement worked for 17 years at Belk. He was a founding member of the Patrick-Henry Volunteer Fire Dept.
He was a long-time member of Salem United Methodist Church and served in many capacities during that time and later became a member of Blackberry Baptist Church. He loved his churches and the church families.
God gave Bobby a gift of a green thumb and he was a master gardener and had one of the most beautiful gardens in Patrick and Henry County. He also loved taking care of his yard as well as others. Like his father, he loved to cut wood and spend time in the woods. He also loved NASCAR racing and Virginia Tech Hokie Sports and spent many weekend afternoons of either watching or attending a race or sporting event somewhere. In the past few years, he loved going to the family cabin and being with his family and grandkids and working around the farm. He was featured in the TV show Renovation Hunters and took great pride in sharing his passion for his family.
While enjoying life to the fullest with his family, during the summer of 2023, he began a courageous fight with cancer that made him work harder than he had ever worked in his life. He battled fearlessly until God called him home.
He will always be remembered for being a dedicated, hard-working, strong, resilient, and loving Husband, Father, Papa, and Poppy.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Blackberry Baptist Church, 3241 Stones Dairy Road, Bassett, VA from 5 to 7:00 PM.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 12:00 PM Monday, February 19, 2024, at Blackberry Baptist Church with Reverend Chad Janey officiating. Burial will follow in Old Center Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 4410 Stones Dairy Road, Bassett, VA with Military Rites to be performed by the Martinsville-Henry County Veteran’s Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers the family asked that you make a donation to either: Mountain Valley Hospice, 240 Commonwealth Blvd W Unit 602B, Martinsville, VA 24112 or Blackberry Baptist Church.
Online condolences at www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com.
