Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
BORN
1931
DIED
2019
John Joy Obituary
Sonora - John Wesley Joy passed away Monday, December 23, 2019. He was born May 28, 1931 at King's Daughters Hospital in Temple, Texas to Artie and Fannie Sykes Joy. John Wesley attended school in Sonora. When not in school, he was at the family ranch in Sutton County. After he graduated from high school in 1949, he worked on the family ranch for a few years, then he began working for the Texas State Highway Department in Sonora and retired after 33 years of service. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, First United Methodist Church, and a lifelong rancher. John Wesley married Avis McKenzie on July 8, 1957. They shared 55 years of marriage and raised four children. John Wesley was preceded in death by Avis, his brother A.Z., and granddaughter Carmen Page Joy Preston. John Wesley is survived by his sister-in-law Vivian Joy of Ely, Nevada; children Kerry Joy and wife Debbie of Eldorado, Lesa Kennedy and husband Bentley of Christoval, Tobin Joy of Sonora, Mitzi Kelley and husband Damon of Plainview; grandchildren Madolyn Phillips and husband Chris of New Braunfels, Jana Aguirre and husband Gilbert of Christoval, Wesley and wife Jenna of Greenwood, Mace Joy of Sonora, Katelyn and Justin Kelley of Plainview; great-grandchildren Slade and Ryder Phillips, Colton, Case and Kynley Aguirre, and Brooklyn and Shaye Kennedy. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 27th at Sonora Cemetery with the funeral service to follow at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, John Wesley requested that donations be made to West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch Road, San Angelo, TX 76904 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at lovefuneralhome.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 4, 2020
Tobin,
We are sorry for the lost of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We wish the best for you and be assured that he is watching you. Make him proud. Legacy is the most precious item you can leave to your children.
Jerry and Nancy Johnson
December 27, 2019
Dear Kerry and Debbie, We are so sorry for your loss.
Bernice Holder
December 26, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. John Wesley was truly one of a kind and I am blessed to have known him. He and Avis always welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like family. What a privilege it was to know him. Kerry Lynn, Lesa, Tobin, Mitzie and families- please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Love to you all.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Charlie Bradley
December 26, 2019
Kerry,
Meredith and I will be keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlie Bradley
PATSY A Rode Henley
December 25, 2019
So sorry to hear about Johnny. He was a great man and he loved his Family. May God be with y'all at this time.
Gail Rode
December 25, 2019
Johnny was my cousin. As a little girl he was my hero. I remember all our family Christmases and he loved to play jokes. I remember when he and Avis married. He loved her so much. I'm so sorry for the family's loss. May God bless you all.
Barbara Granger Boyd
December 24, 2019
Kerry Lynn...so sorry to hear about John Wesley. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bill & Janice Ellingson
December 24, 2019
I lived and worked in Sonora for the Texas Highway Dept. John Wesley was my boss on a survey crew. He was a great boss and was lots of fun to be around and work with. Up until last year he and I visited by phone at least once a month for several years. I attended my 60th class reunion in Sonora several years back and my wife Janice also a graduate of Sonora met and had lunch with Him. A dear friend that I truly enjoyed knowing. He always talked about his lovely wife and family. He was very proud of all. He will be missed by many including Janice and myself. To the family you are in our prayers.
Joe Wallace
December 24, 2019
Kerry I am sending prayers for you and your family, John Wesley was a special man in our community that will be missed.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
409 E 2nd, Sonora, TX 76950
Make a Donation
in John Joy's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Joy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
