John William Joyce

Rocky Mount, NC, USA John William Joyce, 68, passed away peacefully at Nash UNC Hospital on Monday, December 11, 2023, with his loving family surrounding him. Born on August 17, 1955, in Brisbane, Australia, John was the son of the late William (Bill) John Joyce and the late Jean Patterson Joyce. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Kenneth Jerome Turner and Reba Coggin Turner, and nephew, Michael Joyce of Australia. In addition to his wife of 36 years, Sandra Turner Joyce, John is survived by his daughters, Patterson Rebecca Joyce and Samantha Emily Joyce. He was a devoted “Grampy” to grandson, Aiden Nicholas Pridgen and fur baby cats, Shadow and Lu. John is also survived by sisters, Jenny Joyce and Sally Stockley (Ken), brothers, Jim Joyce and Robbie Joyce (Sarah,) all from Australia, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Al Weston of Greenville, NC. Several special nieces, nephews, great- nieces, and great- nephews in both Australia and Eastern North Carolina, USA also survive John. John started playing tennis at the age of 10. As a highly ranked junior tennis player in Australia, his greatest win was when he ousted Australian Davis Cup Player, Mal Anderson, in a tournament. He made many lifelong friends through playing tennis. John’s tennis training and talent brought him to the United States on Feb. 4, 1976, at the age of 20. One of the proudest moments in his tennis career was playing an exhibition match with Rod Laver and Roy Emerson at Reynolds Coliseum, NC State University. As a member of NC State’s Tennis Team,1976-1980, coached by JW Isenhour, John and his teammates finished in the top two of three ACC team finishes and won two ACC Tennis Championships. John was a proud member of the Wolfpack Family. He made many friendships while at NC State and to his friends and roommates, John was known as “Joycey”, “JJ”, and/or “Double J”. After leaving NC State University, John became the teaching pro at Belmont Farms Racquet and Swim Club in Rocky Mount, NC where he met his wife, Sandra. He eventually became the tennis pro at Northgreen Country Club, also in Rocky Mount, NC. He coached many hard working, talented, and special-to- him junior tennis players. His Belmont and Northgreen friends became very special “family” members who he cherished for life. After leaving the tennis profession, John worked with Special Needs Students, who had social/emotional needs, in the Nash-Rocky Mount School System. Even though it was challenging work, John loved this population of students. After several years and workplace injuries which resulted in surgeries and chronic pain, John retired and settled in at home where he loved to cook, grow vegetables, and take care of his wife, daughters, grandson, and fur babies. Before John was injured, he loved to fish, hunt, and tell stories. His stories were often about life growing up in Australia on a poultry “chook” farm with his parents and siblings. He also shared stories about his tennis career. He was known for his sense of humor and his “gift of gab”. Sandra’s family quickly became his family, and he loved spending holidays and special occasions with them. He was a connoisseur of southern comfort food that included collards and Eastern North Carolina BBQ. John will be deeply missed by family and friends. A memorial service to honor and celebrate John’s life will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Nashville Baptist Church, 512 E. Washington Street Nashville, NC 27856, officiated by Rev. J. Kenneth Byrd. A visitation with the family will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Nashville Baptist Church. The service will be livestreamed on Nashville Baptist Church’s Facebook page and on their YouTube Channel @nashvillebaptistchurch9423. It can be viewed later on the church’s website: nashvillebaptistchurch.org. The family would like to say special thanks to Pastor J. Kenneth Byrd and Nashville Baptist Church. Thanks also to Pastor Robin Fisher, Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, and their Homebound Card Ministry team for their support of John over the years and to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of John to an animal rescue organization of your choice and/or Nashville Baptist Church. May John’s soul rest in eternal peace and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.