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Jesse Blanton "Snakeyes" Joyce Sr.
Jesse Blanton "Snakeyes" Joyce Sr.
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Jesse Joyce Obituary
STOKESDALE — Mr. Jesse Blanton "Snakeyes" Joyce, Sr., 81, passed away on Tuesday April 19, 2011, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Mr. Joyce's funeral will be held at 2 p.m. today, April 22, at Stokesdale United Methodist Church with Rev. Tony Dowdy and Rev. Steve Joyce officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in the church cemetery.
A native of Fieldale, Va., Mr. Joyce was born on August 28, 1929, the son of the late John Everette and Mattie Gravley Joyce. He attended High Point College (University) and UNC-Greensboro. While at High Point, he was a 5-star basketball player, and met his wife, Peggy Brewer. They were married on December 19, 1954. Mr. Joyce also served as Stokedale's first mayor following its incorporation. He was a member of Stokesdale United Methodist Church, serving in various areas, was a proud US Army veteran serving his country during the Korean War, and a member of the Stokesdale Masonic Lodge. Following his college years Mr. Joyce served as principal at both Stokesdale High School and Summerfield Elementary School. His second love in life was his relationship with children and their parents and teachers, always amazed and proud when their goals were accomplished.
His hobbies included hunting and playing softball. Upon retiring, he enjoyed spending time at Belews Lake and playing golf with friends. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of his life; he enjoyed seeing them participate in all of their activities.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Peggy B. Joyce of the home, son Jesse B. (Jay) Joyce, Jr. and his wife, Lou Ann of Madison, daughter Jan Joyce Wyrick and her husband, Dale, of Summerfield, five grandchildren Amber Joyce, Roger Rich, Austin Wyrick, Brooke Wyrick, and Evan Wyrick, three great grandchildren Caleb Rich, Corey Rich, and Hayden Joyce, a brother Dean Joyce, and sister Irene Edwards both of Fieldale, Va.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Stokesdale United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 38, Stokesdale, NC 27357 or the Stokesdale Masonic Lodge, PO Box 112, Stokesdale, NC 27357.
On-line condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com.
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Perrie Coker
May 5, 2011
Mrs Joyce, A long time ago, long time, Mr Joyce was my principle. He was the 'GREATEST' ever. He will be missed by everyone, . But my favorite teacher of all time was you. I appreciate both of you.
Love Perrie
Marie Key
April 25, 2011
Peggy and Jay, I just found out about your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel that I have missed a lot by not meeting Mr. Jesse. What a wonderful family!
Love and Peace,
Marie
April 24, 2011
Peggy and Family, we are so saddened by Jesse's passing. We remember our times at Humphreys Ridge. We were so young, yet it does not seem that long ago. Our blessings to you and your family. He will be remembered. Sincerely, Frances, Jill, and Brent Mcgee
Kelly Edwards Baxter
April 22, 2011
Mrs.Joyce,
Mr. Joyce was my principal in the early 80's at Summerfield. I still remember him fondly. What a nice man! I am sorry for your loss.
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Amy Wooten Brown
April 21, 2011
I too had both Mr. AND Mrs. Joyce as principals from 1st to 5th grade and while in high school I worked for them driving a school bus! Walking into his office for a job interview was no less intimidating than if I were in elementary school! What an icon to our community. He will be missed. My thoughts will be with his family.
Dick and Evelyn Cartwright
April 21, 2011
Mrs. Joyce and Jay We are sorry to heae of your loss. You will be in our prayers. Please accept our deepest symapathies.
Susan Eller Barbour
April 21, 2011
Mrs. Joyce and Jan, I have many fond memories of Mr. Joyce at school and at your home. He was always ready to give encouraging words and hugs. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
lisa swain
April 21, 2011
so sorry for your loss,jesse was a great man and a friend to many.He will be missed by many.Prayers are with the family.
Michelle Holt
April 21, 2011
So sorry to hear the loss of such a wonderful person. He was my principle at Summerfield as well as Mrs. Joyce, was my principlt at Laughlin. Will surely miss seeing him around town. Your family will be in my prayers.
Lisa Pegram
April 21, 2011
mrs. joyce, jan and family,
i am so sorry for your loss. jesse was an icon in our community. a loving father, grandfather and husband; an educator, mayor, former athlete and good friend to many. i will always remember him sitting in his chair and joking when i used to spend alot of time at your house as a kid and teen. will also fondly remember his big hugs at church every week. you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
love
lisa pegram and family
Cameron Lovelace Page
April 21, 2011
Mrs. Joyce- My prayers are with you and your family. Mr. Joyce was my principal @ Summerfield Elementary. I remember him as a very kind and sweet man.
Bonita, Greg, Alexis and Luke Beshears
April 21, 2011
To the Joyce Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry for your loss. Jesse was a GREAT man with a sense of humor that was unique and funny. We will miss him terribly. (His "Little Mountaineer")
Dura Parrish-Loy
April 21, 2011
Peggy, it has been a long time since I worked with you and Jesse. I worked as a teacher assistant with both of you and I have never forgotten the pleasure of working with two wonderful people. Jesse will be greatly missed by his family and friends. I can relate to what you are going through, but, you have many wonderful memories of your life together. Remembering you and the family in my prayers.
April 21, 2011
Peggy....It has been a long time since you & Jesse and Bill and I were at HPC and later teaching in Guilford County. Jesse will surely be missed. He had a lifetime of accomplishments. My prayers are with you. Betty Hicks White
April 21, 2011
Our lake experience will never be the same. Jesse and Belews were synonomous.
We will miss him so much. Your family
will be in our prayers, Peggy. We love
you. Carol and Curtis
Katherine Norman Gilbert
April 21, 2011
Mr Joyce hired me as a second grade teacher in 1988. He gave me a chance to do what I loved and that is teach. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
BJ Barnes
April 21, 2011
To the family of my friend Jesse please know our family, Dena and I have you in our prayers. Jesse will be missed, he was a rock for our community and his wit and friendship will be missed. God bless and give you strength in these trying times. Sheriff BJ Barnes and Dena Barnes
April 21, 2011
Peggy, I was so sorry to read this. Jesse was a good man and will be missed. In the coming days may God give you strength and comfort. Roger Euliss
Cathy Coyne Church
April 21, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mr. Joyce was also my elementary school principal and he was so good to all the kids at Summerfield.
Todd and Leigh Southard
April 21, 2011
Mrs. Joyce and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
April 21, 2011
Ms. Joyce-Mr. Joyce was my elementary principal. He also went hunting with my father Jack James. My thoughts & prayers are with you & the family. Lori James Stewart
80th birthday
Jay & Lou Joyce
April 21, 2011
In Memory with Love, Jay and Lou
Bennie & Betty Bullins
April 21, 2011
Peggy and family,We are certainly sorry to hear of your loss .You are in our Loving thoughts and prayers.All those good memories you have of him will help you through the coming months.
Joyce 5 Basketball team
Jay & Lou Joyce
April 21, 2011
In Remembrance, we love you
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