Obituary: ALVIN “REID” JOYCE

By ADMIN-RAS | Published December 12, 2022 | No Comments

Alvin “Reid” Joyce, 87, left this earthly life, Saturday, September 10, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. Folks nicknamed Reid “Reidy Boy”. That name followed him throughout his life.

The funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at Delta United Methodist Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm, Monday, December 12, at the church and other times at the home.

Reid was preceded in death by his parents, Ezra Alvin Joyce and Audwilla Reid Joyce.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Winnie; son, Boyd; daughter, Penny (John); grandchildren, Whitney (Drew), and David (Micala); great-grandchildren, Bailey, Copelyn, and Everly; and sister, Joan Wood (Tommy).

Reid graduated from Sandy Ridge High School in 1953. He never missed a day in 12 years of school. He was chosen to be “Most Handsome”, “Most Athletic”, and “Best All Around” in his class. He played football, basket ball and baseball. He also drove a school bus.

After graduating from Sandy Ridge High School, Reid served in the US Air Force from January 13, 1954 to October 17, 1957. He served 18 months in Africa. While in service, he got to visit many of the capitals of the European countries.

He married Winnie Maureen Gunter on February 15, 1957. To this marriage two children were born: Anthony Boyd and Penny Sue

Reid began work at Madison Throwing Company and continued through all the changes from Burlington Industries, Macfield, and retired from Unifi. He also farmed for several years. He was skilled in so many ways with the ability to build and repair anything.

He joined Delta United Methodist Church in the spring of 1982. He was baptized in the Dan River between Dodgetown and Meadows along with his wife and son by Pastor Don Noblitt. He was a faithful member of Delta Church where he served numerous positions and was a faithful member of Sunday School. His general routine was to read his Bible each night and he read through the Bible numerous times. Reid and Winnie received the “Laity Service Award” by the Yadkin Valley District of The Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church on October 20, 2019.

Reid was a good athlete. He played softball with the Sandy Ridge Loafers and other teams in his early days. Years later he played with the church softball team. He became an avid golfer and made 2 holes in 1. He faithfully attended athletic events when his children, grand children, and great-grandchildren participated. He enjoyed playing corn hole with family and friends. He enjoyed playing Rook, Canasta, and 21 Pete. For years games were played by Reid, Winnie, Watson, Connie, Clarence, and Orell over at Watson & Connie’s.

Reid enjoyed hunting and fishing. He and Paul would often hunt quail. They also enjoyed fishing off the piers at Atlantic Beach. Numerous extended family vacations were taken at the beach.

Saturdays were generally spent at various flea markets and yard sales. Vacations were planned to include antique shows and antique stores. Along with his family, he was a collector of White House vinegar jars, lamps, and various patterns of glass. His quest for treasures carried him and family from Alabama to Massachusetts. He knew all the good antique shows from Hillsville, Dublin, Liberty, and Cameron and included trips through Tennessee to the “World’s Longest Yard Sale”.

He enjoyed old TV westerns and old movies. He was often a blood donor and gave numerous gallons of blood.

Reid loved GOD and showed that love by his fruit. The fruit of the Spirit could be seen by example. (1) He loved and cared for his family; (2) You could see the joy in his life as he shared with his family; (3) He was at peace with co-workers, neighbors, family, and friends; (4) He was patient with those he loved; (5) He was a kind-hearted man; (6) He is described by so many people as being “a good man”; (7) He was faithful to his church by giving and attendance; (8) He was gentle, soft-spoken, humble, and well respected; (9) He certainly practiced self control and was diplomatic in working with others.

He loved “HOME” more than any place he visited. He loved his family and provided for them far greater than was expected. He is now home with loved ones who preceded him and is in the presence of a Heavenly Father who he trusted. He believed JESUS CHRIST to be his LORD and SAVIOR. His beliefs reflected his lifestyle.

Memorials may be made to Delta United Methodist Church, 5984 NC Hwy 704 E, Sandy Ridge, NC 27046.

Colonial Funeral Home Stokes Chapel in Sandy Ridge is serving the family.

Online condolences may be offered at www.colonialfh.net.

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