David Lewis Joyce

David Lewis Joyce passed away May 20, 2025 at Grace Manor in Lakeland. He was born in Morristown, TN on March 2, 1933 to Melvin and Mary Ratliff Joyce. He moved to Lakeland when he was 10 years old and lived the rest of his life in Lakeland. He attended schools here and graduated from Lakeland High School. David met Alice Marie Smith while attending Lakeland High School. They married in 1953.They were blessed with a son (Richard Lewis) and a daughter (Teresa Marie).
He served in the United States Navy (1953-1957) and upon his return to Lakeland, began a career at Publix Supermarkets. He retire after 34 years with the company.
He and Alice traveled the Caribbean and Antilles Islands on a series of cruises before getting a motorhome. Then they traveled extensively with other motorhome friends throughout the continental United States for several years. David and Alice had a loving marriage. He was a faithful provider and wonderful, encouraging father. He was from that generation of men who could fix anything and kept their house and vehicles in good working order with electrical, plumbing, carpentry and mechanical repairs.
He is survived by his son, Richard (Jane) Joyce, his daughter, Teresa (Dwight) DeRose, a grandson, Joshua, two great grandchildren, Allie and Joshua, sister-in-law, Diana Hazell, nephew, Jacob Hazell, and niece, Johannah Colon. He was predeceased by his mother, father, brother-in-law Fred Hazell Jr., niece Kimberly Marie Hazell, and great niece, Annika Irons.
A viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m with service to follow at 11:00a.m. on Friday, May 30, at Lakeland Memorial Gardens.
Services
Visitation
Friday
May 30, 2025
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Lakeland Funeral Home
2125 South Bartow Hwy
Lakeland, FL 33801
Service
Friday
May 30, 2025
11:00 AM
Lakeland Funeral Home
2125 South Bartow Hwy
Lakeland, FL 33801
Cemetery
Lakeland Memorial Gardens
2125 South Bartow Road
Lakeland, FL 33801 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of David, please visit our Tree Store.