William Watson Joyce, Jr.

Mr. William Watson “Buddy” Joyce, Jr., age 86 of Spencer, Virginia went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, North Carolina.  He was born in Ridgeway, Virginia on August 22, 1936, to the late William Watson Joyce Sr. and the late Lucy Kallam Joyce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Elizabeth “Liz” Colson Joyce; and one sister, Anne Jeffries. He had served in the United States Air Force and attended Stella Christian Church. Mr. Joyce was also a former Sunday School teacher, elder, and deacon at Old Well Christian Church. Mr. Joyce had a passionate love for traveling, farming, and fishing. Buddy loved and supported both of his grandchildren during high school activities and college. He was very involved in his community and loved animals. Mr. Joyce will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

          Mr. Joyce is survived by two daughters and son-in-law, Marilyn LaPrade of Ridgeway, Virginia, Michele Joyce Bryant (“Frankie” Bryant) of Spencer, Virginia; one son, William “Billy” Joyce, III (Lisa) of Navarre, Florida; two beloved grandchildren, Sarah Elisabeth Lester (Zack) and Shelby Lynn Bryant; one special niece, Sherlynn Emler of Raleigh, North Carolina; one nephew, Sonny Jeffries of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee; and many dear friends.

          Funeral services for Mr. Joyce will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 3:00 P.M. at Stella Christian Church with Pastors Steve Hayes and Roy Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Well Christian Church Cemetery. Military Rites will be provided by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the church on Saturday afternoon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 1427 Edgewood Drive, Suite 101, Mt. Airy, NC 27030, or to the Joy Ranch Home for Children, P.O. Box 727, Hillsville, VA 24343. Moody Funeral Home in Stuart is serving the Joyce family, and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.