Benjamin Ben Franklin Joyce

KERNERSVILLE - Benjamin ""Ben"" Franklin Joyce, 86 fell asleep in Jesus, Thursday, February 18, 2010. He was born May 25, 1923 in Forsyth Co. to the late Robert Walter and Emma Ethel Mounce Joyce. Ben was a good husband, father and a great provider for his family. He grew up on a farm in Kernersville, his family was known for their humor and hard work. Ben and his beloved wife were blessed to have had the opportunity to travel every state, 24 countries and took 12 cruises. He was a member of Morris Chapel United Methodist Church and the Robert West Sunday school class for over 50 years. Ben was a charter member of the Morris Chapel United Methodist Church Men's club, and had served in many different positions at the church. He was a WWII Army veteran, having served in England, Belgium, Holland, France and Germany, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was the recipient of two Bronze Stars. He also was a 32nd Degree Mason, and served as a Mason for over 60 years. Ben was a member of the Walkertown Lions Club, and was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, John L. Stickley Fellow Award, and was Lion of the year in 2000-2001. He also served on the Forsyth Hospital (Forsyth Medical Center) Board of Trustees for 6 years. His career path lead him to become a Highway Patrolman, the 1st supervisor for the weight station in Rural Hall, and then he retired from the license and theft division. He then was appointed by Gov. Dan Moore as 1st Motor Vehicle Field Supervisor for the NC License Plate Agency. Ben was the owner of the NC License Plate Agency on Peters Creek Parkway for over 40 years. Ben had a very big heart, and supported many charities; Crisis Control Ministry, Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, Shepherd Center, The Masonic Lodge for Children, Senior Services, Inc., The American Legion, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by the love of his life and sweetheart for 76 years, Kathleen West Joyce whom he fell in love with in the 2nd grade; nine brothers, and wives , Claddie Joyce and wife Annie, Percy Joyce and wife Frances, Rex Joyce and wife Mazie, Brady Joyce and wife Ruth, Carl Joyce, Foy Joyce and wife Frances, Vernie Joyce, Gilbert Joyce, and John Paul Joyce and wife Polly; one brother-in-law, Ned Willard; and a son-in-law David Fulcher. Surviving are three children, Robert Joyce and wife Judy, Steve Joyce and wife Joyce, and Kathy Joyce Fulcher, five grandchildren, Jason Joyce and wife Felicia, Jarrett Joyce, Krystal Weiss and husband Matt, Sheri Greene and husband Paul, Scott Hunter and wife Julie; ten great-grandchildren, Franklin, Eli, Luke, and Benjamin Joyce, Mason, Bella and Klaire Weiss, Rachel and Will Greene, and Dylan Hunter; one sister, Dorothy Joyce Willard; and many loving nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted at 3:30 pm Sunday, February 21, 2010 at Morris Chapel United Methodist Church by Rev. Steve Autrey. Rev. Chris Henson and Dr. Bobby Roberson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with a military graveside service. The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 3:00 pm prior to the service and following the service in the church sanctuary. Our heartfelt gratitude to a precious uncle and brother-in-law, Donald Whicker for many years of love, nurturing, and dedication to our family. Also, our deepest love and appreciation to his caregiver, Vanda Johnson and her family whose fun loving spirit and gift of compassion has given our family many precious memories. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morris Chapel United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 57, Walkertown, NC 27051 or Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103. Condolences may be made at www. hayworth-miller.com

Cemetery:
Morris Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery

Visitation:
01:00pm - 03:00pm on February 21, 2010 at Morris Chapel United Methodist Church

Service:
Service at 03:30pm on February 21, 2010 at Morris Chapel United Methodist Church