William Wayne Joyce

Mr. William “Wayne” Joyce, 98, of Westfield, passed away Wednesday morning, December 13, 2023, at Cone Health in Greensboro.  Mr. Joyce was born November 22, 1925, in Stokes County, one of five children born to the late William Andrew and Blanche Rogers Joyce.  Wayne served our country in the 1476th Engineer Maintenance Company of the United States Army during World War II.  He was honorably discharged as a sergeant on May 7, 1946, and was decorated with an American Theater Service medal, EAME Service medal with one bronze service star, a Good Conduct medal, a World War II Victory medal, and an occupation ribbon.  Following his service time, he worked and retired from Duke Power Company after 37 years of service.  Mr. Joyce was a member of Asbury Presbyterian Church.  He was known for his nature to serve, never too busy to help someone any way he could.  How he lived his life was testament to his faith:  from helping his children with school projects, playing video games or building something with his grandchildren, to anonymously paying a bill for a family in need or giving his time working around the church.  He was a long-time outdoorsman, dog lover, golfer, bowler, and ACC basketball fan.  Wayne’s quick wit and appreciation for a good prank meant he was always wearing a smile, and after a few moments in his company you were smiling too.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Frankie Hines Joyce; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and David Wheeler and Laura and Mark Gibson; a son and daughter-in-law, Kim and Sonia Joyce; his grandchildren, David and Angela Wheeler, Jason and Chelsey Wheeler, Tracy and Brandon Davis, Cienna Joyce, William Gibson, and Jack Gibson; his great-grandchildren, Ayree Davis, Chapel Davis, Trinity Wheeler, Libby Wheeler, and Wyatt Wheeler; and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Joyce was preceded in death by a son, Kerry Wayne Joyce; a sister, Irene Lawson; and three brothers, Reid Joyce, Lloyd Joyce, and Oliver Joyce.  A service of worship and celebration of Wayne’s life will be held Monday, December 18, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Asbury Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Terry Collins and the Rev. Rickey Rogers officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with military honors by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends Monday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Asbury Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 7, Westfield, NC  27053.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.